Hose assembly builder tool

ABSTRACT

A system for replacing an original hose assembly of a work machine with a replacement hose assembly includes at least a computing device, a database, and a server. The server is associated with the database and includes a processor configured via computer-executable instructions to perform a method of identifying the replacement hose assembly. The method includes prompting a user to select hose attributes associated with a hose of the original hose assembly. Based on the selected hose attributes, a replacement hose may be identified. The method further includes prompting the user to select coupling attributes associated with a coupling of the original hose assembly. Based on compatibility with the identified replacement hose and the selected coupling attributes, a replacement coupling may be identified. The method further includes generating a bill of materials for the replacement hose assembly and displaying the bill of materials.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional Application under 35 U.S.C. § 121 whichclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/564,711 filed onSep. 9, 2019.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to hose assemblies, and, morespecifically, to methods and an apparatus for building hose assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Operation of a conventional worksite, such as a construction site,agriculture site, or mine may involve maintaining a fleet of vehiclesand/or work machines. Often, the fleet is mixed, or comprised of variousmakes and models of work machines having different manufacturers.Failure of a work machine at a worksite slows productivity while thework machine is repaired, or a replacement work machine is found. Evenfailure of a single vehicle at a worksite can disrupt a projecttimeline, resulting in additional labor and site costs.

A typical work machine has numerous hose assemblies, including fuellines, hydraulic fluid lines, air lines, water lines, and more. Failureof even a single component of any hose assembly can cause failure of theentire work machine. Due to the conditions of the worksite, as well asgeneral wear and tear, failure of hose assemblies is a common issue atworksites. As such, work machine dealers, service technicians, andothers who service mixed fleets must be prepared to service or repairhose assemblies in a timely manner and for any vehicle manufacturer.Maintaining a full inventory of hose assembly parts for everymanufacturer in the fleet, however, is neither practical nor costefficient. Likewise, maintaining a small inventory and having to orderreplacement parts from specific manufacturers, as needed, is unsuitedfor urgent repairs, and may result in a loss of business to the dealer.

Instead, it is common practice for dealers, service technicians, andothers who service mixed fleets to substitute a hose assemblymanufactured by one vendor or manufacturer with a hose assemblymanufactured by a different vendor or manufacturer, depending onavailable inventory. Inexperienced dealers and technicians may struggleto correctly interpret and cross-reference components of differentmanufacturers, resulting in installation of incompatible components.Mixing and matching components of hose assemblies can result in failureof the hose assembly and cause other systemic damage.

Various systems exist to assist service technicians in diagnosing,maintaining and repairing work machines. For example, U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2005/0144183 describes a system that assists a locomotive technician indetermining the nature and extent of service and repairs needed on aspecified portion of locomotive equipment. The system maintainsinformation specific to each particular locomotive, and guides thetechnician through a series of troubleshooting prompts to identifyreplacement parts or upgrades for that specific locomotive. Thetechnician may then order the identified replacement part from asupplier using the system. However, because locomotives are typicallycustomized for a particular application or customer, the technician mustfirst be able to identify the specific equipment, model and manufacturerof the locomotive to be serviced, among other details.

There is consequently a need for a system that guides a servicetechnician, regardless of his or her level of expertise, through aseries of instructions and queries to correctly identify specificfeatures of a first manufacturer hose assembly, which are used by thesystem to not only identify a functional replacement comprised of hoseassembly components of a second manufacturer, but also provide savableconsist and build instructions.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a system forreplacing an original hose assembly of a work machine is disclosed. Theoriginal hose assembly may include an original hose and an originalcoupling. The system may comprise a computing device, a database, and aserver associated with the database. A processor on the server may beconfigured to perform a method of identifying a replacement hoseassembly. The method may comprise prompting a user, via the computingdevice, to select a plurality of hose attributes associated with theoriginal hose of the work machine. Based on the selected plurality ofhose attributes, a replacement hose may be identified that has each ofthe plurality of hose attributes. Next, the method may compriseprompting the user, via the computing device, to select a plurality ofcoupling attributes associated with the original coupling of the workmachine. Based on the selected plurality of hose attributes and theselected plurality of coupling attributes, a replacement coupling havingeach of the plurality of coupling attributes and that is compatible withthe identified replacement hose may be identified. Further, the methodmay include generating a bill of materials for the replacement hoseassembly based on the identified replacement hose and the identifiedreplacement coupling, and displaying the bill of materials.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofreplacing an original hose assembly of a work machine with a replacementhose assembly is disclosed. The original hose assembly may include anoriginal hose and an original coupling, and the replacement hoseassembly may include a replacement hose and a replacement coupling. Themethod may comprise obtaining a hose data set having at least one recordcorresponding to a hose and including a plurality of hose attributes,with one of the plurality of hose attributes corresponding to a hosetype classification, and obtaining a coupling data set having at leastone record corresponding to a coupling and including a plurality ofcoupling attributes, with one of the plurality of coupling attributescorresponding to the hose type classification of a hose compatible withthe coupling. The method further includes guiding a user, via acomputing device, through a series of prompts to identify a plurality ofhose attributes associated with the original hose. The method furtherincludes filtering the hose data set using the identified plurality ofhose attributes associated with the original hose to obtain a set ofreplacement hose data. The method further includes displaying the set ofreplacement hose data to the user via the computing device.Additionally, the method includes selecting, by the user, thereplacement hose from the replacement hose data set, and filtering thecoupling data set using the hose type attribute associated with theselected replacement hose to obtain a replacement coupling data set.Continuing, the method includes guiding the user, via the computingdevice, through a second series of prompts to identify a plurality ofcoupling attributes associated with the original coupling. The methodfurther includes filtering the replacement coupling data set using theidentified plurality of coupling attributes associated with the originalcoupling to obtain an updated replacement coupling data set. The methodfurther includes displaying the set of updated replacement coupling datato the user via the computing device, and selecting, by the user, thereplacement coupling from the updated replacement coupling data set.Finally, the method includes generating a bill of materials for thereplacement hose assembly based on the selected replacement hose and theselected replacement coupling, and displaying the bill of materials.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of building an original hose assembly of a work machine with areplacement hose assembly is disclosed. The original hose assemblyincludes an original hose and an original coupling, and the replacementhose assembly includes a replacement hose and a replacement coupling.The method may include prompting a user, via a computing device, toenter a hose assembly length of the original hose assembly. The methodincludes prompting the user, via the computing device, to select aplurality of hose attributes associated with the original hose of theoriginal hose assembly. The method includes identifying, based on theselected hose attributes, a replacement hose having attributesequivalent to each of the selected hose attributes. The method furtherincludes prompting the user, via the computing device, to select aplurality of coupling attributes associated with the original couplingof the original hose assembly. The method includes identifying, based onthe selected hose attributes and the selected coupling attributes, areplacement coupling having attributes equivalent to each of theselected coupling attributes. The method further includes calculating ahose cut length based on the hose assembly length and a cut off factorassociated with the replacement coupling. The method includes generatinga bill of materials identifying assembly build components of thereplacement hose assembly, the bill of materials further identifying thehose cut length. The method further includes obtaining, from a presentinventory of the user, the assembly build components; cutting thereplacement hose to a length equivalent to the hose cut length; andbuilding the replacement hose assembly using the assembly buildcomponents.

These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will bebetter understood upon reading the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a system having a hose assembly buildertool arranged in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a representation of exemplary information stored in a databaseof the present system;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary database table representing hose coupling detailsin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary database table representing bulk hose informationin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary database table representing hose cross-referenceinformation in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary database table representing hose sleeveinformation in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary database table representing hose bulk armorinformation in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary database table representing original equipmentmanufacturer information in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary database table representing hose assembly buildinformation in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting a hose selection process in accordancewith the present invention;

FIGS. 11-14 is a flowchart depicting a coupling selection process inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a user interface for a welcome screen of the hose assemblybuilder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a user interface for a tool information screen of the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a user interface for a hose assembly part number screen ofthe hose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a user interface for a unit of measure preference screen ofthe hose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a user interface for a standard assembly information screenof the hose assembly builder tool in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 is a user interface for a hose guard selection screen of thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 21-22 are user interfaces for hose guard length screens of thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a user interface for indicating layline visibility in thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 24-25 are user interfaces for selecting industry standardinformation in the hose assembly builder tool in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 26 is a user interface for selecting a fuel hose indicator in thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a user interface for an error screen of the hose assemblybuilder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a user interface for a contact us screen of the hose assemblybuilder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a user interface for selecting a hose cover type in the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a user interface for selecting a hose construction type inthe hose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 31-32 is a user interface for selecting an inside diameter of ahose in the hose assembly builder tool in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 33 is a user interface for a hose build information screen of thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a user interface for selecting a coupling style in the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a user interface for selecting an O-ring location in the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a user interface for selecting an outside diameter of acoupling in the hose assembly builder tool in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 37 is a user interface for selecting a bulk head indicator andcoupling angle in the hose assembly builder tool in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 38 is a user interface for selecting a coupling swivel in the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a user interface for selecting a coupling angle in the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a user interface for selecting a coupling seat angle in thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a user interface for selecting a coupling seat anglemeasurement in the hose assembly builder tool in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 42 is a user interface for selecting a thread size in the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a user interface for selecting a tube outside diameter in thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a user interface for selecting a taper or straight thread inthe hose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a user interface for selecting a thread length in the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 46 is a user interface for selecting a coupling seat angle in thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a user interface for selecting a coupling seat anglemeasurement in the hose assembly builder tool in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 48 is a user interface for selecting an thread inside diameter inthe hose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 49 is a user interface for selecting a seat angle measurement inthe hose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 50 is a user interface for selecting an O-ring location in the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 51 is a user interface for selecting a nut diameter in the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 52 is a user interface for selecting a nut length in the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a user interface for selecting a seal nut length in the hoseassembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 54 is a user interface for selecting a flange head diameter in thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 55 is a user interface for selecting a flange head thickness in thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 56 is a user interface for a coupling build information screen ofthe hose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 57 is a user interface for a hose assembly build information screenof the hose assembly builder tool in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 58 is a user interface for a hose assembly report screen of thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 59 is a user interface for a hose assembly search screen of thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 60 is a user interface for a hose assembly search result screen ofthe hose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 61 is a user interface for a hose assembly consist screen of thehose assembly builder tool in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments orfeatures, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same orcorresponding parts.

An embodiment of a system 10 that is suitable for practicing thepreferred embodiment of the hose assembly builder tool of the presentinvention is shown in a simplified diagram in FIG. 1 . In oneembodiment, the system 10 includes one or more user devices 12 coupledto a web server 14 using a network. The present web server 14 is alsoassociated with one or more relational, object-oriented, or otherappropriate databases 16. In one embodiment, the data stored in thedatabase 16 may be organized according to the table structureillustrated in FIGS. 3-9 . Although described as a database, anyappropriate data storage device, structure, or technique may be used,and reference to database 16 is meant to encompass all suchalternatives. The system 10 also includes an e-mail server 24 incommunication with user device 12 via the web server 14.

The present network may be implemented as a wired communication network,a wireless communication network or a combination thereof. Each userdevice 12 may be a desktop computer, laptop, mobile device, smartphone,tablet, or similar device. Each user device 12 preferably includes anelectronic display, an input device (i.e., keyboard, mouse and/or touchscreen display), and a web browser coupled to the network. The webserver 14 may communicate data, via the network, to the web browserinstalled on each user device 12, for example, in the form of HypertextMarkup Language (HTML) pages using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP),Secure HTTP (HTTPS), or any other suitable protocol. The web server 14may include a controller 18, such as a servlet, for receiving datacommunicated from the user device 12, dynamically generating a response(typically by querying the database 16 to fulfill the request), and thensending the response containing an HTML or XML document back to the userdevice 12. The controller 18 includes a Hose Assembly Builder Toolmodule 22, which is a part of a broader Hydraulic Information Systemmodule 20. It will be understood that the arrangement of grouped code orlogic instructions shown in FIG. 1 merely demonstrates one way toimplement the functions of the system 10, and that other arrangementswill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 2 shows a representation of information stored in the database 16.The database 16 may include, among other things, a number of tablescontaining data related to hose assemblies and components thereofmanufactured by a first manufacturer, which, for example, may beCaterpillar Inc. As used herein, “component” may refer to any portioninto which the hose assembly is divided, including, but not limited to,bulk hoses, couplings, sleeves, armor guards, nuts, adapters, flangeprotectors, and others. The data tables may include a hose couplingdetails table 100, a bulk hose information table 200, a hosecross-reference information table 300, a hose sleeve information table400, a hose bulk armor information table 500, an original equipmentmanufacturer information table 600, and a hose assembly build table 700.

The hose coupling details table 100 may include, among other things,information related to one or more hose assembly components.Specifically, the hose coupling details table 100 may provide datarelated to one or more couplings manufactured by a first manufacturerfor use in work machine hose assemblies. As shown in FIG. 3 , forexample, the hose coupling details table 100 may have attributes orfields corresponding to general identification information such as aunique alpha numeric identification number (CAT_ID_NO_20) 102, a uniquecoupling alpha numeric part number (CPLNG_PART_NO) 104, a connectiontype (CNT_TYP) 146, and a coupling type (CPLNG_TYP) 106 and a couplingfamily (CPLNG_FAM) 148 each correspond to strings of charactersdescribing the particular type of coupling (e.g. male or female) and itsfamily (e.g. female swivel or male cone). The hose coupling detailstable 100 may also include a field indicating a part service level(PART_SVC_LVL) 180, which may be comprised of a numerical valueindicating the service level priority of the part. A value of 4, forexample, may indicate the part is discontinued, while a value of 1 mayindicate the part is currently manufactured and has the highest priorityof service. The table 100 may also include fields indicating whether acoupling is a permanent coupling (PERM_CPLNG_IND) 124 or a reusablecoupling (REUSE_CPLNG_IND) 126. In addition, a field indicating thecoupling cut off factor (CUT_OFF_FCTR) 112 may be included in the hosecoupling details table 100, as this numerical value is important todealers and service technicians in calculating what length of hoseshould be cut. A hose assembly system has an overall assembly length,but to calculate the length of hose that should be cut, the cut offfactor of any couplings must be subtracted. By maintaining this factorfor each coupling, the system 10 can automatically calculate the hosecut length (HOSE_CUT_LGTH_1) 910 (shown in FIG. 9 ).

More specific information may also be provided in the hose couplingdetails table 100 that enables the system 10 to identify whether aspecific coupling is suited for use in a particular environment. Thesefields may include a coupling bend angle (CPLNG_BND) 110, a head size ofa flange-type coupling (HEAD_SIZE) 118, a head thickness of aflange-type coupling (HEAD_THICK) 166, a thread size (THRD_SIZE) 120, anO-ring indicator (O_RING) 150, a seat angle (SEAT_ANG) 152, a threadtype (THRD_TYP) 154 (e.g. internal or external), a thread angle(THRD_ANG) 156, a bulk head indicator (BULK_HEAD) 158, a swivelindicator (SWIVEL) 160, a thread minimum inside diameter (THRD_MIN_ID)162, a thread major outside diameter (THRD_MAJ_OD) 164, a thread length(THRD_LGTH) 174, and seal nut length (SEAL_NUT_LGTH) 178.

The hose coupling details table 100 may also contain informationrelevant to related components of couplings. For example, a field forsize of a hexagonal nut (HEX_SIZE) 170 may be included, as well as a nutthickness (NUT_THICK) 172, a seal part number (SEAL_PART_NO) 130, and arelated or mating part number (MATING_PART) 176 may be included as well.Other fields that may be included in the hose coupling details table 100may include a coupling length (CPLNG_LGTH) 108 identifying the totallength of the coupling, a thread dash size (THRD_DSH_SIZE) 122, a droplength (DRP_LGTH) 114, a first bolt hole specification value(BOLT_HOLE_SPC1) 132, a second bolt hole specification value(BOLT_HOLE_SPC2) 134, a series design (SRS_DESIG) 136, a flange dashsize (FLANGE_DASH_SIZE) 138, a bolt hole diameter (BOLT_HOLE_DIA) 142,and a backup ring indicator (BACKUP_RING) 144.

Finally, the hose coupling details table 100 contains informationrelated to compatible hose types. Specifically, each entry in the hosecoupling details table 100 may include information relating to acompatible type of hose (HOSE_TYP) 116. If, for example, a particularcoupling part number (CPLNG_PART_NO) 104 is compatible with twodifferent hose types, then the hose coupling details table 100 mayinclude two separate entries with the same coupling part number, witheach entry specifying a different hose type in the HOSE_TYP field. Otherinformation associated with compatible hoses may also be provided,including a hose inside diameter (HOSE_INSD_DIA) 128, a tube outsidediameter (TUBE_OD) 168, and a hose dash size (HOSE_DASH_SIZE) 140.

Bulk hose information table 200 may include, among other things,information related to one or more bulk hoses. Specifically, the bulkhose information table 200 may provide data related to one or more bulkhose products manufactured by the first manufacturer for use in workmachine hose assemblies. As shown in FIG. 4 , for example, the bulk hoseinformation table 200 may have attributes or fields corresponding to aunique alpha numeric identification number (CAT_ID_NO_20) 202, a uniquebulk hose alpha numeric part number (BULK_PART_NO) 204, a hose typeclassification value (HOSE_TYP) 206, an inside diameter measurement ofthe hose (HOSE_INSD_DIA) 208, an outside diameter measurement of thehose (HOSE_OD) 210, a hose dash size (HOSE_DASH_SIZE) 222, a type ofhose cover (COVER_TYPE) 224 (e.g. a steel braid cover or afabric/textile cover), and a hose construction type (CONSTR_TYPE) 226that may correspond to a description of an arrangement of wire fiberswithin a hose wall (e.g. six layer spiral, four layer spiral or textilereinforced). The table 200 may also include a field indicating a partservice level (PART_SVC_LVL) 228, which may be comprised of a numericalvalue indicating the service level priority of the part. A value of 4,for example, may indicate the part is discontinued, while a value of 1may indicate the part is currently manufactured and has the highestpriority of service.

The bulk hose information table also includes a set of fields indicatingwork environment restrictions. These fields include, a minimum pressurevalue that, if exceeded, may cause the hose to burst (MIN_BRST_PRESS)212, a maximum recommended working pressure (MAX_WORK_PRESS) 214, aminimum bend radius (MIN_BND_RAD) 216 indicating a minimum radius a hosecan bend without kinking or sustaining other types of damage, a lowestrecommended operating temperature (LWST_TEMP) 218, and a maximumrecommended operating temperature (MAX_TEMP) 220.

A hose cross-reference table 300 enables the system 10 to associatehoses manufactured by the first manufacturer with industry standarddata. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the hose cross-reference table300 may include, among other things, general attributes or fieldscorresponding to a unique alpha numeric identification number(CAT_ID_NO_20) 302, a hose type classification value (HOSE_TYP) 304, anda hose dash size (HOSE_DASH_SIZE) 306. The hose cross-reference tablemay also include an industry standard field code (SPEC_TYP) 308 and anindustry standard specification number (SPEC_NO) 310. Industry standardfield codes and specification numbers are used to identify products thatmeet varying technical standard requirements. Typical examples ofindustry standard field codes may include European Standards (EN), theInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO), JapaneseIndustrial Standards (JIS), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)and the German Institute for Standardization (DIN). Hoses that complywith one or more of these standards may include at least one industrystandard field code 308 and specification number 310 on a layline of thehose. Hoses that comply with DIN specifications include an additionalfield specifying an industry standard specification type (DIN_HOSE_TYP)312.

The database 16 of the present system 10 further includes a hose sleeveinformation table 400, which may include, among other things, datarelated to reusable couplings. Reusable couplings may comprise atwo-part system including a sleeve and the coupling. In the event ofhose failure, the coupling and sleeve may be removed and reused. Asshown in FIG. 6 , for example, the hose sleeve information table 400 mayhave attributes or fields corresponding to a unique alpha numericidentification number (CAT_ID_NO_20) 402, a hose type classificationvalue (HOSE_TYP) 404, an inside diameter measurement of the hose(HOSE_INSD_DIA) 408, a hose dash size (HOSE_DASH_SIZE) 406, and a uniquealpha numeric sleeve part number (SLVE_PART_NO) 410.

Operating a work machine is rugged operating conditions can leave hoseassemblies susceptible to the elements. To protect a hose from debrisand caustic fluids like gasoline, a hose armor guard may be used.Certain types of hose armor guards may be more suited to certainenvironments than others. A nylon abrasive sleeving, for example, mayprotect exposed hoses from debris and scuffing, while a fire sleevingguard may be flame resistant and best suited for high temperatureoperating conditions. As such, database 16 of the present system 10includes a hose bulk armor information table 500, which may include,among other things, data related to armor guards for hose assemblies. Asshown in FIG. 7 , for example, the hose bulk armor information table 500may have attributes or fields corresponding to a unique alpha numericidentification number (CAT_ID_NO_20) 502, a hose type classificationvalue (HOSE_TYP) 504, a hose dash size (HOSE_DASH_SIZE) 506, an insidediameter measurement of the hose (HOSE_INSD_DIA) 508, and an outsidediameter measurement of the hose (HOSE_OD) 512. Specific to the armorguard associated with a hose assembly, the hose bulk armor informationtable 500 also maintains attributes corresponding to a unique alphanumeric armor guard part number (ARMR_GUARD_PART_NO) 510, an insidediameter of the armor guard (GUARD_INSD_DIA) 514, a material thicknessvalue (MATL_THICK) 516 corresponding to a number indicating thethickness of the material of the armor guard, an armor guard color(ARMR_GUARD_COLOR) 518, and an armor guard material (ARMR_GUARD_MATL)520 corresponding to a description of the armor guard material (e.g.heavy-duty plastic, metal, or fire resistant).

Finally, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and asdiscussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 , thedatabase 16 of the system 10 may maintain two additional tables, anoriginal equipment manufacturer (OEM) information table 600 and a hoseassembly build table 700. Briefly, the OEM information table 600, asshown in FIG. 8 , may include a field corresponding to a name of amachine OEM (NCAT_MACH_OEM) 602. Similarly, the hose assembly buildtable 700, as shown in FIG. 9 , may include a number of fields utilizedby the system 10 for storing data generated by both a user of thesystem, as well as the system itself, for example, in calculating thehose cut length (HOSE_CUT_LGTH_1) 710. The information stored in boththe OEM information table 600 and the hose assembly build table 700 isdisplayed to the user in the form of a bill of materials, after the userhas completed each of the steps of the hose assembly builder tool.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The method and system in this disclosure may provide a hose assemblybuilder tool for use by dealers, service technicians, and persons whomanage or service a mixed fleet of vehicles, among others. Inparticular, the disclosed hose assembly builder tool may be used tobuild a hose assembly from component parts manufactured by the firstmanufacturer (e.g. bulk hose, coupling, seals, armor, sleeves, etc.),based on information, provided by the user, related to a hose assemblyof a second manufacturer. The hose assembly builder tool may be useddealers or service technicians having varying levels of expertise in thehydraulics field. As such, the tool not only provides clear step-by-stepinstructions for obtaining information used by the system, but alsoutilizes strategic filtering procedures to ensure entry of accurate dataand, consequently, an accurate hose assembly build. In this manner, bothproduct sales and customer satisfaction may be improved.

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate a series of steps of the hose assembly buildertool. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 , the hose assembly buildertool may prompt the user for information related to a hose of a hoseassembly manufactured by a second manufacturer. Once the system hasidentified a hose manufactured by the first manufacturer from the secondmanufacturer's hose information provided by the user, the hose assemblybuilder tool may prompt the user for information related to a couplingof the hose assembly of the second manufacturer, as shown in FIGS. 11-14. FIGS. 15-61 are exemplary screen captures of a user interface of thehose assembly builder tool. In one aspect, the user interface of thisdisclosure may be web-based. For example, with reference to FIG. 1 , theweb server 14 may operate the hose assembly builder tool module 22 usingthe controller 18 to allow the user interfaces to operate in conjunctionwith the database 16. The hose assembly builder tool module 22 may behosted in a browser-controlled environment (e.g., a Java applet and/orthe like), coded in a browser-supported language (e.g., JavaScriptcombined with a browser-rendered markup language (e.g., Hyper TextMarkup Language (HTML) and/or the like)) and/or the like such that anyuser device 12 running a common web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer™,Firefox™, Chrome™, Safari™ or the like) may render the hose assemblytool executable.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , a preliminary step 1000 in the hose assemblybuilder tool may include providing the user with an introduction to thehose assembly builder tool. The step may comprise one or moreinformational interface screens. One interface screen associated withthis step 1000 is illustrated in FIG. 15 . Beginning with FIG. 15 , awelcome screen 1002 of the hose assembly builder tool may be displayedand populated with information introducing the user to the hose assemblybuilder tool. Generally, the user interface layout may include aHydraulic Information System frame 1004 with a plurality of linksarranged in a side panel 1008. The plurality of links may include a HoseAssembly Identification link 1010, which the user may click in order toaccess the hose assembly builder tool. The user interface layout mayfurther include a main panel 1012, in which the hose assembly buildertool prompts may be displayed. The welcome screen 1002 of the hoseassembly builder tool includes welcome information 1014, as well as abutton 1016, which a user may select to continue to the next page.

The preliminary step 1000 may also include providing the user with alist of gauges and other tools that may be helpful in obtaininginformation from the hose assembly of the second manufacturer. Thisportion of step 1000 is illustrated by FIG. 16 , which displays a toolinformation screen 1018. The tool information screen 1018 may displayimages 1020 and descriptions 1022 of gauges and tools to help identifycomponents of the second manufacturer's hose assembly. For example, athread identification kit 1024 may be necessary to measure and identifya coupling type, and a protractor 1026 or magnetic angle finder 1028 maybe necessary to measure a coupling angle. The tool information screen1018 may also include a button 1030, which the user may select to goback to the immediately previous page (here, for example, the welcomescreen 1002) and a button 1032, which a user may select to move to thenext page.

Referring back to FIG. 10 , the hose assembly builder tool may promptthe user as to whether or not they already have a part number of thefirst manufacturer (step 1034). This step 1034 may check to see whetheror not the user has already completed a build in the hose assemblybuilder tool. If the user has already identified a part number, thenthey may perform a search using a Hydraulic Information System Hose &Coupling Search/Consist feature, which allows the user to search a partnumber of the first manufacturer to retrieve a bill of materials forthat part number. If the user does not have a part number of the firstmanufacturer, then they may choose to continue through the system. Theinterface screen related to step 1034 is illustrated at FIG. 17 , whichdepicts a part number inquiry screen 1036.

The main panel 1012 of the part number inquiry screen 1036 may includean inquiry 1038 as to whether or not the user possesses the firstmanufacturer's part number, along with a drop-down menu 1040 with valuesfor the user to select in response to the inquiry. In this example, thevalues for response may include “Yes” and “No,” although other valuesmay be used depending, for example, on the wording of the inquiry 1038.The part number inquiry screen 1036 may also include the button 1030,which the user may select to go back to the immediately previous page(here, for example, the tool information screen 1018) and the button1032, which a user may select to move to the next page. Depending on theuser's response to the inquiry 1038, the hose assembly builder tool mayrespond differently. If the user indicates they do not have a partnumber of the first manufacturer (in this example, by selecting “No”from the drop-down menu), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, theuser will be directed to the next page. If, however, the user indicatesthey do have a part number of the first manufacturer (in this example,by selecting “Yes” from the drop-down menu), and then selects the “Next”button 1032, the hose assembly builder tool may launch a pop-up screen1042 to display an alert 1044. The alert 1044 may indicate that the usermay use their part number to perform a search using the HydraulicInformation System Hose & Coupling Search/Consist feature. The user mayclose the pop-up screen 1042 using a button 1046, which may return theuser to the part number inquiry screen 1036. The user may then accessthe Hydraulic Information System Hose & Coupling Search/Consist featureat a link 1048 located in the side panel 1008.

Referring again to FIG. 10 , at step 1050 the hose assembly builder toolmay prompt the user as to a unit of measure preference. This step 1050not only allows the user to specify the unit of measure he or she willuse when entering measurements to the hose assembly builder tool, butalso informs the hose assembly builder tool the specific unit of measureit should use to display measurement values. The interface screenrelated to step 1050 is illustrated at FIG. 18 , which depicts a unit ofmeasure preference screen 1052.

The main panel 1012 of the unit of measure preference screen 1052 mayinclude an inquiry 1054 as to which unit of measure the user will use tomeasure the second manufacturer's hose assembly and to measure theresulting built hose assembly, along with a drop-down menu 1056 withvalues for the user to select in response to the inquiry. In thisexample, the values for response may include “inches,” “mm,” and “cm,”although other values may be used. Once the user selects the unit ofmeasure from the drop-down menu and selects the “Next” button 1032, theunit of measure will be stored, and the user will be directed to thenext page. The unit of measure value may be stored in the hose assemblybuild table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at a unit of measure abbreviation (UM_ABR) 886field, for future reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

At step 1058 (FIG. 10 ) the hose assembly builder tool may prompt theuser as to an overall assembly length of the second manufacturer's hoseassembly, and at step 1060 the hose assembly builder tool may prompt theuser as to an angle of orientation of the couplings of the secondmanufacturer's hose assembly. Step 1058 and step 1060 are illustrated byFIG. 19 , which displays a standard assembly information screen 1062.The standard assembly information screen 1062 may include a direction1064 prompting the user to enter an overall length of the secondmanufacturer's hose assembly, and a text box 1066 for the user to enterthe value of the overall length of the second manufacturer's hoseassembly. The standard assembly information screen 1062 may displayinstructions 1068 illustrating to the user how to measure the overallassembly length of the second manufacturer's hose assembly. Theinstructions 1068 may be in the form of text or images, and may portrayto the user, for example, that the overall assembly length measurementshould include not just a hose portion of a hose assembly, but thecouplings as well. Once the user has followed the instructions 1068, heor she may enter the value of the overall assembly length in the textbox 1066. The hose assembly builder tool stored the user's preferredunit of measure (UM_ABR) 886 in previous step 1050, so the user need notspecify that in this step 1058.

The standard assembly information screen 1062 may also include adirection 1070 prompting the user to enter an angle of orientation ofthe second manufacturer's couplings, and a text box 1072 for the user toenter the value of the angle of orientation. The standard assemblyinformation screen 1062 may display instructions 1074 and images 1076illustrating to the user how to measure the angle of orientation of thesecond manufacturer's couplings. Once the user has followed theinstructions 1074, he or she may enter the value of the angle oforientation of the couplings of the second manufacturer's hose assemblyin the text box 1072.

Once the user enters the overall assembly length in text box 1066 andthe angle of orientation in the text box 1072, and selects the “Next”button 1032, the overall assembly length and the angle of orientationwill be stored, and the user will be directed to the next page. Theoverall assembly length and the angle of orientation values may bestored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at a hose assemblylength (HOSE_ASSM_LGTH) 752 field and an angle of orientation(ANG_ORIENT_1) 738 field, for future reference by the hose assemblybuilder tool.

Referring back to FIG. 10 , at step 1078 the hose assembly builder toolmay prompt the user regarding the existence of any protective sleevingor guard surrounding the hose of the second manufacturer's hoseassembly. If, for example, the second manufacturer's hose includes aprotective sleeve or guard, the user may also select the type of hoseguard installed. Step 1078 is illustrated by FIG. 20 , which displays ahose guard selection screen 1080.

The hose guard selection screen 1080 may include the main panel 1012, aswell as an inquiry 1082 as to whether or not the second manufacturer'shose assembly has any type of protective sleeving or guard. If thesecond manufacturer's hose assembly does not have any protectivesleeving or guard, the user may select an option 1084 indicating assuch. In this example, the option 1084 may have a “No” value. If thesecond manufacturer's hose assembly has a protective sleeving or guard,the user may select the type of guard from a set of options 1086. Eachguard type may be displayed with an image 1088 of the guard and adescription 1090 of the guard, so the user may easily identify what typeof guard the second manufacturer's hose assembly uses. In this example,values for response may include “Continuous slit guard,” “Spring guard,”“Zero pitch spring guard,” “Plastic guard—wall thickness less than 3mm,” “Nylon abrasive sleeving,” “Fire sleeving guard,” and “Heavy dutyplastic guard—wall thickness greater than 3 mm” although other valuesmay be used.

Depending on the user's response to the inquiry 1082, the hose assemblybuilder tool may respond differently. If the user indicates the secondmanufacturer's hose assembly does not have any protective sleeve orguard (in this example, by selecting the “No” option 1084), and thenselects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1092to determine the presence of a layline. If, however, the user indicatesthe second manufacturer's hose assembly has a protective sleeve or guard(in this example, by selecting one of the guard type options 1086), andthen selects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to anintermediate step 1094 to determine the length of the protective sleeveor guard. If the user indicates the second manufacturer's hose assemblydoes not have any protective sleeve or guard, then no values are storedin the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an armor guard partnumber (ARMR_GRD_PART_NO) 740 field, an armor guard material(ARMR_GUARD_MATL) 750 field, or armor length fields (ARMR_LGTH_1) 742,(ARMR_LGTH_2) 744, (ARMR_LGTH_3) 746, and (ARMR_LGTH_4) 748. If the userselects one of the guard type option 1086, then the material of theguard type selected may be stored in the hose assembly build table 700(FIG. 9 ) at the armor guard material (ARMR_GUARD_MATL) 750 field, forfuture reference by the hose assembly tool.

At step 1094 (FIG. 10 ) the hose assembly builder tool may prompt theuser as whether the hose guard selected in step 1078 covers the entirelength of the second manufacturer's hose assembly. Hose guards may notalways be a single piece. For example, depending on a variety offactors, such as whether the hose turns or bends, the angle at which thehose turns or bends, and proximity of equipment and moving parts, theguard may be installed in multiple pieces, and may not cover the entirelength of the hose. The interface screen related to step 1094 isillustrated at FIG. 21 , which depicts a hose length indicator screen1096.

The main panel 1012 of the hose length indicator screen 1096 may includean inquiry 1098 as to whether or not the guard selected by the user instep 1078 cover the entire length of the hose assembly, along with adrop-down menu 1100 with values for the user to select in response tothe inquiry. In this example, the values for response may include “Yes”and “No,” although other values may be used depending, for example, onthe wording of the inquiry 1098. Depending on the user's response to theinquiry 1098, the hose assembly builder tool may respond differently. Ifthe user indicates the guard covers the entire length of the hoseassembly (in this example, by selecting “Yes” from the drop-down menu),and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed tostep 1092 to determine the presence of a layline. In this scenario, thelength of the guard may be determined to equal the overall assemblylength, and the value stored in the hose assembly length(HOSE_ASSM_LGTH) 752 field may be stored in the hose assembly buildtable 700 (FIG. 9 ) at the armor guard length (ARMR_LGTH_1) 742 field,for future reference by the hose assembly tool. The remaining armorguard length fields may remain empty. If, instead, the user indicatesthe guard does not cover the entire length of the hose assembly (in thisexample, by selecting “No” from the drop-down menu), and then selectsthe “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1102 (FIG. 10) to specify the length of the hose assembly. In this scenario, no datais stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ).

At step 1102 (FIG. 10 ) the hose assembly builder tool may prompt theuser to enter a guard length of the second manufacturer's hose assembly.Step 1102 is illustrated by FIG. 22 , which displays a guard lengthspecification screen 1104. The guard length specification screen 1104may include a direction 1106 prompting the user to measure a first guardlength in a first text box 1108, a second guard length in a second textbox 1110, a third guard length in a third text box 1112, and a fourthguard length in a fourth text box 1114. Once the user has measured theguard length or guard lengths, he or she may enter the values in thetext boxes 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114. The hose assembly builder tool storedthe user's preferred unit of measure (UM_ABR) 886 in previous step 1050,so the user need not specify the unit of measure in this step 1102. Inaddition, while the hose assembly builder tool provides a user with fourtext boxes 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114, the user may enter between one andfour values, depending on the number of guard sections present in thesecond manufacturer's hose assembly.

Once the user enters the values corresponding to the length of eachsection of hose guard, and selects the “Next” button 1032, the length ofeach guard section will be stored, and the user will be directed to thenext step 1092. The length of each guard section may be stored in thehose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ). Specifically, the value enteredin the text box 1108 corresponding to “Length 1” may be stored in thearmor guard length 1 (ARMR_LGTH_1) 742 field, the value entered in thetext box 1110 corresponding to “Length 2” may be stored in the armorguard length 2 (ARMR_LGTH_2) 744 field, the value entered in the textbox 1112 corresponding to “Length 3” may be stored in the armor guardlength 3 (ARMR_LGTH_3) 746 field, and the value entered in the text box1114 corresponding to “Length 4” may be stored in the armor guard length4 (ARMR_LGTH_4) 748 field, for future reference by the hose assemblybuilder tool.

Referring back to FIG. 10 , the hose assembly builder tool may promptthe user as to whether or not the information on the secondmanufacturer's hose layline is visible (step 1092). A hose layline is aline of printed information that extends the length of the hose, and maycontain information about the hose's properties, including the size,working pressure, industry standard, among other information. Step 1092may check to see whether or not the information on the layline isvisible to the user. If the layline information is visible to the user,then the user may be prompted in a further step to enter the industrystandard information visible on the layline. If the layline informationis not visible, then the hose assembly builder tool will walk the userthrough a series of instructions to determine the type of hose of thesecond manufacturer's hose assembly. The interface screen related tostep 1092 is illustrated at FIG. 23 , which depicts a layline visibilityscreen 1116.

The main panel 1012 of the layline visibility screen 1116 may include aninquiry 1118 as to whether or not the information on the secondmanufacturer's hose layline is visible, along with a drop-down menu 1120with values for the user to select in response to the inquiry. In thisexample, the values for response may include “Yes” and “No,” althoughother values may be used depending, for example, on the wording of theinquiry 1118. The layline visibility screen 1116 may displayinstructions 1122 illustrating to the user how to identify the laylineinformation, and may include an example of industry standard informationthat may be visible on the layline. The instructions 1122 may be in theform of text or images, or other format. In this instance, theinstructions 1122 include an image of three hoses of the firstmanufacturer with visible layline information. The industry standardinformation has been highlighted and shown in an enlarged image 1124 toensure a user may be able to identify the information on the secondmanufacturer's hose layline, and easily determine if the layline isvisible.

Depending on the user's response to the inquiry 1118, the hose assemblybuilder tool may respond differently. If the user indicates the hoselayline is visible (in this example, by selecting “Yes” from thedrop-down menu), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the user maybe directed to the next step 1126 to enter the industry standardinformation that is visible on the layline of the second manufacturer'shoes. If, instead, the user indicates the hose layline is not visible(in this example, by selecting “No” from the drop-down menu), and thenselects the “Next” button 1032, the user may be directed to intermediatestep 1128 to determine a type of hose using physical characteristics ofthe hose itself. Once the user selects the whether the hose layline isvisible from the drop-down menu and selects the “Next” button 1032, ahose layline visibility indicator will be stored. The hose laylinevisibility indicator value may be stored in the hose assembly buildtable 700 (FIG. 9 ) at a layline visibility (LAY_VIS) 770 field, forfuture reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

If, at step 1092, the user indicates the hose layline of the secondmanufacturer's hose is visible, the hose assembly builder tool willdirect the user to step 1126 to identify the industry standardinformation printed on the hose layline. Step 1126 may begin byrequiring the user to enter an industry standard field code, found onthe hose layline. Depending on the industry standard field code selectedby the user, the hose assembly builder tool may also require the user toenter an industry standard specification number, and may also requirethe user to enter an industry standard specification type code, all ofwhich may be found on the hose layline. Since industry standardspecifications are international (i.e. not specific to a brand ormanufacturer), this step 1126 allows the hose assembly builder tool toeasily identify a hose type of the first manufacturer that meets thesame industry standards as the second manufacturer's hose. The interfacescreen related to step 1126 is illustrated at FIGS. 24 and 25 , whichdepict an industry standard selection screen 1130.

The main panel 1012 of the industry standard selection screen 1130 mayinclude a direction 1132 to the user to use the information provided onthe hose layline to make a series of selections, along with a drop-downmenu 1134 labeled “Industry Standard:” and including values for the userto select in response to the inquiry. In this example, the valuesassociated with the drop-down menu 1134 may include industry standardfield codes “DIN,” “EN,” “ISO,” “JIS,” and “SAE,” although otherindustry standard field codes may also be listed. Once the user selectsthe industry standard field code from the drop-down menu 1134, theindustry standard field code will be stored. The industry standard fieldcode value may be stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 )at an industry standard field code (SPEC_TYP) 772 field.

When the user selects the industry standard field code from thedrop-down menu 1134, a new drop-down menu 1136 (FIG. 25 ) labeled“Specification Number:” will load on the screen 1130. By selecting theindustry standard field code from drop-down menu 1134, the user executesa filtering process in order to populate the “Specification Number”drop-down menu 1136. For example, if the user selects “DIN” fromdrop-down menu 1134, the hose assembly builder tool may populate thedrop-down menu 1136 with all of the specification numbers associatedwith the DIN field code. To achieve this, the hose assembly builder toolmay filter the hose cross-reference information table 300 (FIG. 5 ), andidentify records where a value in the SPEC_TYP 308 field matches thevalue stored in the SPEC_TYP 772 field. The hose assembly builder toolmay then populate the “Specification Number” drop-down menu 1136 withany values stored in the SPEC_NO 308 field of the identified records. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 25 , the specification numbersassociated with the DIN industry standard include “20021,” “20022,” and“20023.” Once the user selects the specification number from thedrop-down menu 1136, the specification number may be stored in the hoseassembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an industry standard specificationnumber (SPEC_NO) 774 field. If the user selected the “JIS” or “SAE”industry standard field codes, step 1126 is complete, and the user mayselect the “Next” button 1032 to move to the next step 1140.

If the user selected the “DIN,” “EN,” or “ISO” industry standard fieldcodes, an additional drop-down menu 1138 labeled “Type:” will also loadon the screen 1130 at the time the user selects the industry standardfield code. The “Type” drop-down menu 1138 may not populate, however,until the user selects the specification number from the drop-down menu1136. By selecting the specification number from drop-down menu 1136,the user executes a filtering process in order to populate the “Type”drop-down menu 1138. For example, if the user selects “DIN” fromdrop-down menu 1134, and then selects “20022” from the drop-down menu1136, the hose assembly builder tool may populate the drop-down menu1138 with all of the specification types associated with the DIN fieldcode and the specification number 20022. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool may filter the hose cross-reference informationtable 300 (FIG. 5 ) to identify any records where a value in theSPEC_TYP 308 field matches the value stored in the SPEC_TYP 772 fieldand where a value in the SPEC_NO 310 field matches the value stored inthe SPEC_NO 774 field. The hose assembly builder tool may then populatethe “Type” drop-down menu 1138 with any values stored in theDIN_HOSE_TYP 312 field of the identified records. Once the user selectsthe specification type from the drop-down menu 1138 and selects the“Next” button 1032, an industry standard specification type will bestored. The industry standard specification type value may be stored inthe hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an industry standardspecification type (DIN_HOSE_TYP) 776 field, for future reference by thehose assembly builder tool. After selecting the industry standardspecification type of the second manufacturer's hose, the user mayselect the “Next” button 1032 to move to the next step 1140.

If, at step 1092, the user indicates the hose layline of the secondmanufacturer's hose is not visible, the hose assembly builder tool willdirect the user to step 1128 (FIG. 10 ). At step 1128, the hose assemblybuilder tool may prompt the user as whether the second manufacturer'shose is a hose used for transporting fuel. Fuel hoses are speciallydesigned to withstand the caustic properties of gasoline and otherfuels. As such, they may have specially designed covers or internalconstructions to ensure, for example, the fuel hose does not rupture ormelt. An interface screen related to step 1128 is illustrated at FIG. 26, which depicts a fuel hose indicator screen 1142.

The main panel 1012 of the fuel hose indicator screen 1142 may includean inquiry 1144 as to whether or not the second manufacturer's hose is afuel hose, along with a drop-down menu 1146 with values for the user toselect in response to the inquiry. In this example, the values forresponse may include “Yes,” “No,” and “I Don't Know,” although othervalues may be used depending, for example, on the wording of the inquiry1144. Depending on the user's response to the inquiry 1144, the hoseassembly builder tool may respond differently. If the user indicates thesecond manufacturer's hose is a fuel hose (in this example, by selecting“Yes” from the drop-down menu 1146), and then selects the “Next” button1032, the user will be directed to step 1140 to determine an insidediameter of the second manufacturer's hose. In this instance, a fuelhose indicator will be stored. The fuel hose indicator value may bestored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at a fuel hoseindicator (FUEL_HOSE_IND) 780 field, for future reference by the hoseassembly builder tool. If the user indicates the second manufacturer'shose is not a fuel hose (in this example, by selecting “No” from thedrop-down menu 1146), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the userwill be directed to step 1148 to determine whether the secondmanufacturer's hose has a unique cover. In this instance, the fuel hoseindicator will also be stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG.9 ) at the fuel hose indicator (FUEL_HOSE_IND) 780 field, for futurereference by the hose assembly builder tool.

Finally, if the user indicates that he or she is uncertain if the secondmanufacturer's hose is a fuel hose (in this example, by selecting “IDon't Know” from the drop-down menu 1146), and then selects the “Next”button 1032, the user will be directed to a help screen 1150 (FIG. 27 )and “Contact Us” page (FIG. 28 ). In this scenario, no data is stored inthis hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ). The help screen 1150 isillustrated at FIG. 27 . The main panel 1012 of the hose lengthindicator screen 1096 may include a message 1152 to the user that thehose assembly builder tool is unable to identify a part number of thefirst manufacturer equivalent to the second manufacturer's hose assemblyand additional information may be necessary, and a “Contact Us” link1154. The main panel 1012 may also include a “Start Over” button 1156,which, if selected by the user, returns the user to the tool informationscreen 1018 (FIG. 16 ). Similarly, selecting the “Go Back” button 1030will return the user to the previous screen (here, the fuel hoseindicator screen 1142). Finally, if the user selects the “Contact Us”link 1154, the user may be directed to a contact us screen 1158, asillustrated in FIG. 28 .

The main panel 1012 of the contact us screen 1158 may include a numberof fields for the user to provide identifying information, as well as amessage. More specifically, the fields may include a Web Security userID 1160, a User Name 1162, a Dealer Name 1164, a Dealer Code 1166, aPhone Number 1168, an Email Address 1170, and a message 1172. The usermay clear any data in the fields by selecting the “Reset” button 1174.Once the user is satisfied with the content of each field, the user mayselect the “Submit” button 1176. The data from the fields is thenaggregated and sent via e-mail server 24 (FIG. 1 ) to an e-mail inboxmonitored by a help desk employee.

Referring back to FIG. 10 , at step 1148 the hose assembly builder toolmay prompt the user regarding the existence of a unique hose cover styleon an exterior surface of the second manufacturer's hose. If, forexample, the second manufacturer's hose includes a unique cover, theuser may select the type of unique cover from a set of options. Step1148 is illustrated by FIG. 29 , which displays a hose cover selectionscreen 1178.

The hose cover selection screen 1178 may include the main panel 1012, aswell as an inquiry 1180 as to whether or not the second manufacturer'shose assembly has a unique cover type. If the second manufacturer's hoseassembly does not have a unique cover type, the user may select anoption 1182 indicating as such. In this example, the option 1182 mayhave a “No” value. If the second manufacturer's hose assembly has aunique cover type, the user may select the type of unique cover from aset of options 1184. Each cover type may be displayed with an image 1186of the cover and a description 1188 of the cover, so the user may easilyidentify what type of cover the second manufacturer's hose assemblyuses. In this example, values for response may include “Steel braidcover,” “Thermoplastic cover,” and “Fabric/Textile cover (blue orblack),” although other values may be used.

Depending on the user's response to the inquiry 1180, the hose assemblybuilder tool may respond differently. If the user indicates the secondmanufacturer's hose assembly does not have a unique cover (in thisexample, by selecting the “No” option 1182), and then selects the “Next”button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1190 to determine theconstruction type of the second manufacturer's hose. If, however, theuser indicates the second manufacturer's hose assembly has a uniquecover (in this example, by selecting one of the cover type options1184), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the user will bedirected to step 1140 to select an inside diameter of the secondmanufacturer's hose. If the user indicates the second manufacturer'shose assembly does not have a unique cover, then no values are stored inthe hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at a cover type (COVER_TYPE)782 field. If the user selects one of the cover type options 1184, thenthe material (e.g. rubber, steel braid) comprising the unique coverselected may be stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) atthe cover type (COVER_TYPE) 782 field, for future reference by the hoseassembly tool.

At step 1190 (FIG. 10 ), the hose assembly builder tool may prompt theuser to select the construction type of the second manufacturer's hoseby analyzing a cross-section of the second manufacturer's hose. Toanalyze a cross-section of the second manufacturer's hose, the user maycut the hose. If, for example, the user cuts the second manufacturer'shose and recognizes the construction, the user may select the type ofconstruction from a set of options. Step 1190 is illustrated by FIG. 30, which displays a hose construction selection screen 1192.

The hose construction selection screen 1192 may include the main panel1012, as well as a direction 1194 to select a construction type thatmatches the construction type of the second manufacturer's hose. If thesecond manufacturer's hose assembly does not have a construction typematching one of a set of options 1196, the user may select an option1198 indicating as such. In this example, the option 1198 may have an “IDon't Know” value. If the second manufacturer's hose assembly has arecognizable construction type, the user may select the type ofconstruction from the set of options 1196. Each construction type may bedisplayed with an image 1200 of the cross-section showing theconstruction of the hose and a description 1202 of the constructiontype, so the user may easily identify what type of construction thesecond manufacturer's hose assembly employs. In this example, values forresponse may include “One layer of wire braid,” “Two layers of wirebraid,” “Six layers spiral,” “Textile reinforcement,” “Thermoplasticconstruction,” “Steel braided cover over Teflon,” “Four layers spiral,”and “Textile with helix,” although other values may be used.

Depending on the user's response to the direction 1194, the hoseassembly builder tool may respond differently. If the user indicatesthat he or she is unable to match the construction of the secondmanufacturer's hose to one of the construction type options 1196 (inthis example, by selecting the “I Don't Know” option 1198), and thenselects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to the helpscreen 1150 (FIG. 27 ). If, however, the user is able to match theconstruction of the second manufacturer's hose with one of theconstruction type options 1196 (in this example, by selecting one of theconstruction type options 1196), and then selects the “Next” button1032, the user will be directed to step 1140 to select an insidediameter of the second manufacturer's hose. If the user indicates thathe or she is unable to match the construction of the secondmanufacturer's hose to one of the construction options 1196, then novalues are stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at aconstruction type (CONSTR_TYPE) 784 field. On the other hand, if theuser selects one of the construction type options 1196, then theconstruction type selected may be stored in the hose assembly buildtable 700 (FIG. 9 ) at the construction type (CONSTR_TYPE) 784 field,for future reference by the hose assembly tool.

Referring back to FIG. 10 , at step 1140 the hose assembly builder toolmay prompt the user to select an inside diameter of the secondmanufacturer's hose. If the hose layline is not visible, then the usermay be required to cut the hose and measure the inside diameter. Theinterface screen related to step 1140 is illustrated at FIGS. 31 and 32, which depict an inside diameter selection screen 1204.

The main panel 1012 of the inside diameter selection screen 1204 mayinclude direction 1206 to select an inside diameter of the secondmanufacturer's hose, along with a drop-down menu 1208 labeled “InsideDiameter:” and including values for the user to select in response tothe inquiry. In this example, the drop-down menu 1208 is populated whenthe hose assembly builder tool loads the screen 1204. When the usernavigates to the inside diameter selection screen 1204, the userexecutes a filtering process in order to populate the “Inside Diameter”drop-down menu 1208. To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool mayfirst examine the value stored in the LAY_VIS 770 field. If the LAY_VIS770 field indicates the hose layline was visible, then the hose assemblybuilder tool may perform a first filter of the hose cross-referenceinformation table 300 (FIG. 5 ), to identify records where a value inthe SPEC_TYP 308 field matches the value stored in the SPEC_TYP 772field, a value in the SPEC_NO 310 field matches the value stored in theSPEC_NO 774 field, and a value in the DIN_HOSE_TYP 312 field matches thevalue stored in the DIN_HOSE_TYP 776 field. The hose assembly buildertool may perform a second filter on the bulk hose information table 200(FIG. 4 ), to identify records where a value in the CAT_ID_NO_20 202field matches the values stored in the CAT_ID_NO_20 302 field of theidentified records from the first filter, and where a value in thePART_SVC_LVL 228 field indicates the part is currently beingmanufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate the“Inside Diameter” drop-down menu 1208 with any values stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 208 and HOSE_DASH_SIZE 222 of the identified records.

Alternatively, if the LAY_VIS 770 field indicates the hose layline wasnot visible, then the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe bulk hose information table 200 (FIG. 4 ) directly, to identifyrecords where a value in the COVER_TYPE 224 field matches the valuestored in the COVER_TYPE 782 field, where a value in the CONSTR_TYPE 226field matches the value stored in the CONSTR_TYPE 784 field, and where avalue in the PART_SVC_LVL 228 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate the“Inside Diameter” drop-down menu 1208 with any values stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 208 and HOSE_DASH_SIZE 222 of the identified records.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 32 , the inside diameter values maybe formatted to list the inside diameter of the second manufacturer'shose in mm, cm, inches, and finally a dash hose size. For example, theoption 1210 “50.8 5.080 2 −32” indicates that the inside diameter of thehose is 50.8 millimeters (mm) or 5.080 centimeters (cm) or 2 inches (in)or −32 dash. A hose dash size refers to a measurement in 1/16 inincrements. For example, option 1210 indicates a hose dash size of −32.To calculate the hose inside diameter in inches using the dash size, theuser should multiply 32 by 1/16, which equals 2 in. Once the userselects the inside diameter from the drop-down menu 1208 and selects the“Next” button 1032, an inside diameter and hose dash size will bestored. The inside diameter value may be stored, in mm, in the hoseassembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at a hose inside diameter(HOSE_INSD_DIA) 706 field, for future reference by the hose assemblybuilder tool. Likewise, the hose dash size value may be stored in thehose assembly build table 700 at a hose dash size (HOSE_DASH_SIZE) 778field, for future reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

Referring again to FIG. 10 , at a step 1212 a hose build result list maybe displayed to the user. The interface screen related to step 1212 isillustrated at FIG. 33 , which depicts a hose build result screen 1214.The main panel 1012 of the hose build result screen 1214 may include a“Contact Us” link 1216, and an instructional statement 1218, along witha list 1220 of selectable hose build results corresponding to hosesmanufactured by the first manufacturer meeting all criteria specified bythe user in each of the previous steps. The hose build result screen1214 may also include the “Go Back” button 1030, a “Start Over” button1244 and an “Identify Coupling(s)” button 1246. Selecting the “StartOver” button 1244 returns the user to the layline visibility screen 1116(FIG. 23 ). Selecting the “Identify Coupling(s)” button 1246 directs theuser to the next step to begin identifying the couplings of the secondmanufacturer's hose assembly.

Each build result may include an indicator 1221 that is selectable bythe user. The list 1220 of selectable hose build results may bepopulated when the hose assembly builder tool loads the hose buildresult screen 1214. When the user navigates to the hose build resultscreen 1214, the user executes a filtering process in order to populatethe list 1220 of compatible hoses of the first manufacturer. To achievethis, the hose assembly builder tool may first examine the value storedin the LAY_VIS 770 field. If the LAY_VIS 770 field indicates the hoselayline was visible, then the hose assembly builder tool may perform afirst filter of the hose cross-reference information table 300 (FIG. 5), to identify records where a value in the SPEC_TYP 308 field matchesthe value stored in the SPEC_TYP 772 field, a value in the SPEC_NO 310field matches the value stored in the SPEC_NO 774 field, a value in theDIN_HOSE_TYP 312 field matches the value stored in the DIN_HOSE_TYP 776field, and a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 306 matches the value stored inthe HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field. The hose assembly builder tool may thenperform a second filter on the bulk hose information table 200 (FIG. 4), to identify records where a value in the CAT_ID_NO_20 202 fieldmatches the values stored in the CAT_ID_NO_20 302 field of theidentified records from the first filter, and where a value in thePART_SVC_LVL 228 field indicates the part is currently manufactured. Thehose assembly builder tool may then populate the list 1220 of selectablehose build results.

Alternatively, if the LAY_VIS 770 field indicates the hose layline wasnot visible, then the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe bulk hose information table 200 (FIG. 4 ) directly, to identifyrecords where a value in the COVER_TYPE 224 field matches the valuestored in the COVER_TYPE 782 field, a value in the CONSTR_TYPE 226 fieldmatches the value stored in the CONSTR_TYPE 784 field, a value in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 208 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 222 field matches the valuestored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, and where a value in thePART_SVC_LVL 228 field indicates the part is currently manufactured. Thehose assembly builder tool may then populate the list 1220 of selectablehose build results.

The list 1220 of selectable hose build results may be comprised of hosesof the first manufacturer that are compatible with the secondmanufacturer's hose assembly. When the list 1220 is comprised of morethan one compatible hose of the first manufacturer, the user mayconsider at least pressure of the application, working pressure of thehose, temperature rating of the hose and the hose bend radius beforemaking a hose selection. As such, each compatible hose listed in thelist 1220 of selectable hose build results includes a part number 1222of the first manufacturer, a hose inside diameter 1224, a hose type1226, a hose description 1228, a hose dash size 1230, a hose outsidediameter 1232, a minimum burst pressure (displayed in kPa) 1234, amaximum work pressure (displayed in kPa) 1236, a minimum bend radius1238, a lowest recommended operating temperature (displayed inFahrenheit) 1240, and a maximum recommended operating temperature(displayed in Fahrenheit) 1242. As mentioned above, the hose assemblybuilder tool may populate the list 1220 of selectable hose build resultsafter filtering has been completed. More specifically, the part number1222 value may correspond to the CAT_ID_NO_20 202 value, the hose insidediameter 1224 value may correspond to the HOSE_INSD_DIA 208 field, thehose type 1226 value may correspond to the HOSE_TYP 206 field, the hosedash size 1230 value may correspond to the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 222 field, thehose outside diameter 1232 value may correspond to the HOSE_OD 210field, the minimum burst pressure (displayed in kPa) 1234 value maycorrespond to the MIN_BRST_PRESS 212 field, the maximum work pressure(displayed in kPa) 1236 value may correspond to the MAX_WRK_PRESS 214field, the minimum bend radius 1238 value may correspond to theMIN_BND_RAD 216 field, the lowest recommended operating temperature(displayed in Fahrenheit) 1240 value may correspond to the LWST_TEMP 218field, and the maximum recommended operating temperature (displayed inFahrenheit) 1242 value may correspond to the MAX_TEMP 220 field.

Once the user selects one of the compatible first manufacturer's hosesfrom the list 1220 of hose build results, and selects the “IdentifyCoupling(s)” button 1246, information associated with the selected hoseof the first manufacturer may be stored in the hose assembly build table700 (FIG. 9 ), and the user may be directed to a first step 1248 inidentifying one or more couplings manufactured by the secondmanufacturer. More specifically the part number 1222 of the firstmanufacturer may be stored at a bulk part number (BULK_PART_NO) 708field, and the hose type 1226 may be stored at a hose type (HOSE_TYP)704 field. Additionally, using the part number 1222, a search may becompleted on the hose bulk armor information table 500 (FIG. 7 ) toobtain an armor guard part number associated with the selected hose ofthe first manufacturer. The value obtained from the search may be storedat an armor guard part number (ARMR_GUARD_PART_NO) 740 field.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , the hose assembly builder tool may prompt theuser to select a coupling style of the second manufacturer's coupling(step 1248). This step 1248 may be a first step in identifying acoupling associated with the second manufacturer's hose assembly. Theinterface screen related to step 1248 is illustrated at FIG. 34 , whichdepicts a coupling style selection screen 1250.

The main panel 1012 of the coupling style selection screen 1250 mayinclude a direction 1252 to the user to select a coupling style of thesecond manufacturer's coupling, along with a set of options 1254 withvalues for the user to select in response to the inquiry. The user mayselect the style of coupling from the set of options 1254. Each couplingstyle may be displayed with an image 1256 of the coupling style and adescription 1258 of the coupling style, so the user may more easilyidentify the second manufacturer's coupling style. In this example,values for response may include “Male external thread,” “Female internalthread,” and “Flange,” although other values may be used. Depending onthe user's response to the direction 1252, the hose assembly buildertool may respond differently. If the user indicates the secondmanufacturer's coupling has a male external thread coupling style (inthis example, by selecting the “Male external thread” option from theset of options 1254), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the userwill be directed to step 1260 (FIG. 12 ) related to identifying a maleexternal threaded coupling. If, however, the user indicates the secondmanufacturer's coupling has a female internal thread coupling style (inthis example, by selecting the “Female internal thread” option from theset of options 1254), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the userwill be directed to step 1262 related to identifying a female internalthreaded coupling. Finally, if the user indicates the secondmanufacturer's coupling has a flange coupling style (in this example, byselecting the “Flange” option from the set of options 1254), and thenselects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1264related to identifying a flange coupling. When the user selects the“Next” button 1032, regardless the coupling style selected, the threadtype (e.g. external, internal, flange) associated with the selectedcoupling style may be stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG.9 ) at the first coupling thread type (CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP) 786 field, forfuture reference by the hose assembly tool.

With reference now to FIG. 12 , at step 1260 the hose assembly buildertool may prompt the user regarding the existence of an O-ring seallocation on the second manufacturer's coupling. If, for example, thesecond manufacturer's coupling includes an O-ring seal, the user mayselect the location of the O-ring from a set of options. Step 1260 isillustrated by FIG. 35 , which displays an O-ring selection screen 1266.

The O-ring selection screen 1266 may include the main panel 1012, aswell as an inquiry 1268 as to whether or not the second manufacturer'scoupling has an O-ring location. If the second manufacturer's couplingdoes not have an O-ring location, the user may select an option 1270indicating as such. In this example, the option 1270 may have a “No”value. If the second manufacturer's coupling has an O-ring location, theuser may select the location from a set of options 1272. Each O-ringlocation may be displayed with an image 1274 of the O-ring location on acoupling and a description 1276 of the O-ring location, so the user mayeasily identify the location of the O-ring on the second manufacturer'scoupling. In this example, values for response may include “O-ringgroove,” and “Flat face seal,” although other values may be used.

Depending on the user's response to the inquiry 1268, the hose assemblybuilder tool may respond differently. If the user indicates the secondmanufacturer's coupling does not have an O-ring location (in thisexample, by selecting the “No” option 1270), and then selects the “Next”button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1278 to determine a seatangle style of the second manufacturer's coupling. If, instead, the userindicates the second manufacturer's coupling has an O-ring groovearrangement (in this example, by selecting the “O-ring groove” option),and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed tostep 1280 to select an outside diameter of the thread of the secondmanufacturer's coupling. Finally, if the user indicates the secondmanufacturer's coupling has flat face seal arrangement (in this example,by selecting the “Flat face seal” option), and then selects the “Next”button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1281 to select an outsidediameter of the thread of the second manufacturer's coupling.

Referring again to FIG. 12 , at step 1280 the hose assembly builder toolmay prompt the user to select an outside diameter of the of the secondmanufacturer's coupling. The interface screen related to step 1280 isillustrated thread at FIG. 36 , which depicts a thread outside diameterselection screen 1284.

The main panel 1012 of the thread outside diameter selection screen 1284may include direction 1286 to measure the outside diameter of the secondmanufacturer's coupling thread, along with a drop-down menu 1288including values for the user to select in response to the inquiry. Themain panel 1012 may also include an image 1290, text instruction orother diagram or visual representation illustrating to the user theproper method for measuring the outside diameter of the secondmanufacturer's thread. In this example, the drop-down menu 1288 ispopulated when the hose assembly builder tool loads the screen 1284.When the user navigates to the thread outside diameter selection screen1284, the user executes a filtering process in order to populate thedrop-down menu 1288. To achieve this, the hose assembly builder toolperforms a filter on the hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), toidentify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128field matches the value stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, an O_RING150 field has a value of “Yes,” a value in the THRD_TYP 154 fieldmatches the value stored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, and where avalue in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1288 with any values stored in the THRD_MAJ_OD 164 field.The hose assembly builder tool may display the values in the drop-downmenu 1288 in a format of “mm-cm-inch,” although other units of measuremay be used. Once the user selects the size of the thread outsidediameter of the second manufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu1288 and selects the “Next” button 1032, a thread outside diameter willbe stored. The thread outside diameter size value may be stored, in mm,in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external threadmajor outside diameter (ETHD_1_THRD_MAJ_OD) 810 field, for futurereference by the hose assembly builder tool.

The hose assembly builder tool may query the user as to whether thesecond manufacturer's coupling is a bulkhead at step 1292 (FIG. 12 ), aswell as query whether the second manufacturer's coupling is straight orangled at step 1294 (FIG. 12 ). At step 1292, the hose assembly buildertool may prompt the user as to whether the second manufacturer'scoupling is a bulkhead. At step 1294, the hose assembly builder tool mayprompt the user as to the angle of the coupling. Step 1292 and step 1294are illustrated by FIG. 37 , which displays a bulk head indicator andcoupling angle screen 1296. The bulk head indicator and coupling anglescreen 1296 may include an inquiry 1298 as to whether or not the secondmanufacturer's coupling is a bulkhead fitting, along with a drop-downmenu 1300 with values for the user to select in response to the inquiry.In this example, the values for response may include “Yes,” “No,” and “IDon't Know,” although other values may be used depending, for example,on the wording of the inquiry 1298. If the user selects the “Yes” or“No” response from the drop-down menu 1300 and selects the “Next” button1032, a bulkhead indicator value will be stored. The bulkhead indicatorvalue may be stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at abulkhead indicator (ETHD_1_BULK_HEAD) 814 field, for future reference bythe hose assembly builder tool. Alternatively, if the user indicatesthat he or she is unsure whether the second manufacturer's coupling is abulkhead fitting (in this example, by selecting the “I Don't Know”option), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the user will bedirected to the help screen 1150 (FIG. 27 ).

At step 1294, the hose assembly builder tool may prompt the user as tothe coupling bend angle. The bulk head indicator and coupling anglescreen 1296, therefore, may also include an inquiry 1302 as to the bendangle of the second manufacturer's coupling, along with a drop-down menu1304 with values for the user to select in response to the inquiry. Themain panel 1012 may also include at least one image 1306, textinstruction 1308, or other visual representation illustrating to theuser the proper method for measuring a coupling bend angle using a metalprotractor and with a magnetic protractor. In this example, thedrop-down menu 1304 is populated when the hose assembly builder toolloads the screen 1296. When the user navigates to the bulk headindicator and coupling angle screen 1296, the user executes a filteringprocess in order to populate the drop-down menu 1304. To achieve this,the hose assembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose couplingdetails table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in theHOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, avalue in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe values stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, an O_RING 150 fieldhas a value of “Yes,” a value in the THRD_TYP 154 field matches thevalue stored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, a value in theTHRD_MAJ_OD 164 field matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_THRD_MAJ_OD810 field, a value in the BULK_HEAD field 158 matches the value storedin the ETHD_1_BULK_HEAD 814 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL180 field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1304 with anyvalues stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field. Once the user selects thecoupling bend angle of the second manufacturer's coupling from thedrop-down menu 1304 and selects the “Next” button 1032, a coupling bendangle will be stored. The coupling bend angle measurement may be storedin the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external malecoupling bend angle (ETHD_1_CPLNG_BND) 798 field, for future referenceby the hose assembly builder tool.

Referring again to FIG. 12 , at step 1281, the hose assembly buildertool may direct the user to the thread outside diameter selection screen1284 (FIG. 36 ). After completing the thread outside diameter selectionscreen 1284 in step 1281, the user may proceed to step 1310. This step1310 may prompt the user as to whether or not the coupling rotates orswivels when twisted. The interface screen related to step 1281 isillustrated at FIG. 38 , which depicts a swivel information screen 1312.

The main panel 1012 of the swivel information screen 1312 may include aninquiry 1314 as to whether or not the coupling rotates or swivels whentwisted, along with a drop-down menu 1316 with values for the user toselect in response to the inquiry. In this example, the values forresponse may include “Yes” and “No,” although other values may be useddepending, for example, on the wording of the inquiry 1314. The swivelinformation screen 1312 may also include the button 1030, which the usermay select to go back to the immediately previous page (here, forexample, the thread outside diameter selection screen 1284) and thebutton 1032, which a user may select to move to the next step 1318 todetermine a coupling bend angle. Once the user selects the swivelindicator from the drop-down menu 1316 and selects the “Next” button1032, a swivel indicator may be stored. The swivel indicator may bestored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an externalthread swivel (ETHD_1_SWIVEL) 822 field, for future reference by thehose assembly builder tool.

The hose assembly builder tool may query whether the secondmanufacturer's coupling is straight or angled at step 1318 (FIG. 12 ).Step 1318 is illustrated by FIG. 39 , which displays a coupling bendangle screen 1320. The coupling bend angle screen 1320 may prompt theuser as to the coupling bend angle. The coupling bend angle screen 1320,therefore, may also include an inquiry 1322 as to the bend angle of thesecond manufacturer's coupling, along with a drop-down menu 1324 withvalues for the user to select in response to the inquiry. The main panel1012 may also include at least one image 1326, text instruction 1328, orother visual representation illustrating to the user the proper methodfor measuring a coupling bend angle using a metal protractor and with amagnetic protractor. In this example, the drop-down menu 1324 ispopulated when the hose assembly builder tool loads the screen 1320.When the user navigates to the coupling bend angle screen 1320, the userexecutes a filtering process in order to populate the drop-down menu1324. To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool performs a filteron the hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify recordswhere a value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, an O_RING 150 field has a value of “Yes,” a value in theTHRD_TYP 154 field matches the value stored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786field, a value in the THRD_MAJ_OD 164 field matches the value stored inthe ETHD_1_THRD_MAJ_OD 810 field, a value in the SWIVEL 160 fieldmatches the value stored in the ETHD_1_SWIVEL 822 field, and where avalue in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1324 with any values stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field.Once the user selects the coupling bend angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1324 and selects the“Next” button 1032, a coupling bend angle will be stored. The couplingbend angle measurement may be stored in the hose assembly build table700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external thread coupling bend angle(ETHD_1_CPLNG_BND) 798 field, for future reference by the hose assemblybuilder tool.

Continuing at step 1278, the hose assembly builder tool may prompt theuser to select a coupling seat angle style of the second manufacturer'scoupling. The interface screen related to step 1278 is illustrated atFIG. 40 , which depicts a coupling seat angle style selection screen1330.

The main panel 1012 of the coupling seat angle style selection screen1330 may include a direction 1332 to the user to select a coupling seatangle style of the second manufacturer's coupling, along with a set ofoptions 1334 with values for the user to select in response to theinquiry. The user may select the coupling seat angle style from the setof options 1334. Each coupling seat angle style may be displayed with animage 1336 of the seat angle style and a description 1338 of the seatangle style, so the user may more easily identify the secondmanufacturer's coupling seat angle style. In this example, values forresponse may include “Male cone,” and “Male inverted chamfer,” althoughother values may be used. Depending on the user's response to thedirection 1332, the hose assembly builder tool may respond differently.If the user indicates the second manufacturer's coupling has a male conecoupling seat angle style (in this example, by selecting the “Male cone”option from the set of options 1334), and then selects the “Next” button1032, the user will be directed to step 1340 (FIG. 12 ) related toidentifying a seat angle measurement. If, however, the user indicatesthe second manufacturer's coupling has a male inverted coupling seatangle style (in this example, by selecting the “Male inverted chamfer”option from the set of options 1334), and then selects the “Next” button1032, the user will be directed to step 1342 related to identifying aseat angle measurement. When the user selects the “Next” button 1032,regardless the coupling seat angle style selected, the coupling family(e.g. male cone, female swivel, etc.) associated with the selectedcoupling seat angle style may be stored in the hose assembly build table700 (FIG. 9 ) at the first coupling family (ETHD_1_CPLNG_FAM) 802 field,for future reference by the hose assembly tool.

Referring back to FIG. 12 , at step 1340 the hose assembly builder toolmay prompt the user to select a coupling seat angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling. Using a gauge, the user may measure the seatangle of the coupling. The interface screen related to step 1340 isillustrated at FIG. 41 , which depicts a seat angle measurement screen1344.

The main panel 1012 of the seat angle measurement screen 1344 mayinclude direction 1346 to select a measured seat angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling, as well as at least one image 1350 or textinstruction indicating a proper procedure and alignment for measuringthe seat angle of the second manufacturer's coupling. The seat anglemeasurement screen 1344 may also include a drop-down menu 1348 havingvalues for the user to select in response to the inquiry. In thisexample, the drop-down menu 1348 is populated when the hose assemblybuilder tool loads the screen 1344. When the user navigates to the seatangle measurement screen 1344, the user executes a filtering process inorder to populate the drop-down menu 1348. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool may perform a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value inthe HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, a value in theCPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 802field, an O_RING 150 field has a value of “No,” a value in the THRD_TYP154 field matches the value stored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field,and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part iscurrently being manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may thenpopulate the drop-down menu 1348 with any values stored in the SEAT_ANG152 field.

Depending on the user's response to the direction 1346 and selectionfrom the drop-down menu 1348, the hose assembly builder tool may responddifferently. If the user indicates the second manufacturer's couplinghas a 37 degree or 45 degree seat angle (in this example, by selecting a“37” or “45” option from the drop-down menu 1348), and then selects the“Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1352 (FIG. 12 )related to identifying a coupling bend angle measurement. If, however,the user indicates the second manufacturer's coupling has a 30 degreeseat angle (in this example, by selecting the “30” option from thedrop-down menu 1348), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the userwill be directed to step 1354 related to selecting a coupling threadsize. When the user selects the “Next” button 1032, regardless of thecoupling seat angle selected, the coupling seat angle may be stored inthe hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at the first external threadcoupling seat angle (ETHD_1_SEAT_ANG) 826 field, for future reference bythe hose assembly tool.

Continuing to step 1352 (FIG. 12 ), the hose assembly builder tool mayquery whether the second manufacturer's coupling is straight or angled.Step 1352 is illustrated at FIG. 39 , as discussed above. The couplingbend angle screen 1320 may prompt the user as to the coupling bend angleusing the drop-down menu 1324 with values for the user to select inresponse to the inquiry. In this example, when the user navigates to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1324. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value inthe HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, an O_RING 150 fieldhas a value of “No,” a value in the THRD_TYP 154 field matches the valuestored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152field matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_SEAT_ANG 826 field, andwhere a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part iscurrently being manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may thenpopulate the drop-down menu 1324 with any values stored in the CPLNG_BND110 field. Once the user selects the coupling bend angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1324 and selects the“Next” button 1032, a coupling bend angle will be stored. The couplingbend angle measurement may be stored in the hose assembly build table700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external male coupling bend angle (ETHD_1_CPLNG_BND)834 field, for future reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

Referring again to FIG. 12 , at step 1354 the hose assembly builder toolmay prompt the user to measure and select a thread size of the maleexternal thread. Using a thread gauge, the user may measure the gauge ofthe threads of the second manufacturer's coupling. The interface screenrelated to step 1354 is illustrated at FIG. 42 , which depicts a threadgauge measurement screen 1356. The main panel 1012 of the thread gaugemeasurement screen 1356 may include direction 1358 to select a measuredthread gauge of the second manufacturer's coupling, as well as at leastone image 1360 and/or a text instruction 1362 indicating a properprocedure and alignment for measuring the thread gauge of the secondmanufacturer's coupling. The thread gauge measurement screen 1356 mayalso include a drop-down menu 1364 having values for the user to selectin response to the inquiry. In this example, the drop-down menu 1364 ispopulated when the hose assembly builder tool loads the screen 1356.When the user navigates to the thread gauge measurement screen 1356, theuser executes a filtering process in order to populate the drop-downmenu 1364. To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform afilter on the hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identifyrecords where a value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value storedin the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 fieldmatches the value stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ETHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 802 field, an O_RING 150 field has a value of“No,” a value in the THRD_TYP 154 field matches the value stored in theCPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1364 with anyvalues stored in the THRD_SIZE 120 field. When the user selects thethread gauge size value from the drop-down menu, and then selects the“Next” button 1032, the user may be directed to the next step 1366 todetermine a coupling bend angle, and the selected thread gauge sizevalue may be stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) atthe external thread size (ETHD_1_THRD_SIZE) 830 field, for futurereference by the hose assembly tool.

Continuing to step 1366 (FIG. 12 ), the hose assembly builder tool mayquery whether the second manufacturer's coupling is straight or angled.Step 1366 is illustrated at FIG. 39 , as discussed above. The couplingbend angle screen 1320 may prompt the user as to the coupling bend angleusing the drop-down menu 1324 with values for the user to select inresponse to the inquiry. In this example, when the user navigates to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1324. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value inthe HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, an O_RING 150 fieldhas a value of “No,” a value in the THRD_TYP 154 field matches the valuestored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152field matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_SEAT_ANG 826 field, a valuein the THRD_SIZE 120 field matches the value stored in theETHD_1_THRD_SIZE 120 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1324 with anyvalues stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field. Once the user selects thecoupling bend angle of the second manufacturer's coupling from thedrop-down menu 1324 and selects the “Next” button 1032, a coupling bendangle will be stored. The coupling bend angle measurement may be storedin the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external malecoupling bend angle (ETHD_1_CPLNG_BND) 834 field, for future referenceby the hose assembly builder tool.

Referring again to FIG. 12 , at step 1342 the hose assembly builder toolmay prompt the user to select a coupling seat angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling. Step 1342 is illustrated at FIG. 41 , asdiscussed above. The seat angle measurement screen 1344 may prompt theuser to select a coupling seat angle of the second manufacturer'scoupling using the drop-down menu 1348 with values for the user toselect in response to the inquiry. In this example, when the usernavigates to the seat angle measurement screen 1344, the user executes afiltering process in order to populate the drop-down menu 1348. Toachieve this, the hose assembly builder tool performs a filter on thehose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where avalue in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the valuestored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, anO_RING 150 field has a value of “No,” a value in the THRD_TYP 154 fieldmatches the value stored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, a value inthe CPLNG_FAM 148 matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_CPLNG_FAM, andwhere a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part iscurrently being manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may thenpopulate the drop-down menu 1348 with any values stored in the SEAT_ANG152 field. Once the user selects the seat angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1348 and selects the“Next” button 1032, a coupling seat angle will be stored. The couplingseat angle measurement may be stored in the hose assembly build table700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external coupling seat angle (ETHD_1_SEAT_ANG) 826field, for future reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

Depending on the user's response to the direction 1346 and selectionfrom the drop-down menu 1348, the hose assembly builder tool may responddifferently. If the user indicates the second manufacturer's couplinghas a 0 degree or 45 degree seat angle (in this example, by selecting a“0” or “45” option from the drop-down menu 1348), and then selects the“Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1368 (FIG. 12 )related to identifying a coupling thread outside diameter. If, however,the user indicates the second manufacturer's coupling has a 15 degreeseat angle (in this example, by selecting the “15” option from thedrop-down menu 1348), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the userwill be directed to step 1370 related to selecting a coupling threadsize. Finally, if the user indicates the second manufacturer's couplinghas a 30 degree seat angle (in this example, by selecting the “30”option from the drop-down menu 1348), and then selects the “Next” button1032, the user will be directed to step 1372 related to identifyingwhether the coupling threads are tapered or straight. When the userselects the “Next” button 1032, regardless of the coupling seat angleselected, the coupling seat angle may be stored in the hose assemblybuild table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at the first external thread coupling seatangle (ETHD_1_SEAT_ANG) 826 field, for future reference by the hoseassembly tool.

At step 1368 (FIG. 12 ) the hose assembly builder tool may direct theuser to the thread outside diameter selection screen 1284 (FIG. 36 ). Inthis example, when the user navigates to the thread outside diameterselection screen 1284, the user executes a filtering process in order topopulate the drop-down menu 1288. To achieve this, the hose assemblybuilder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling details table 100(FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP 116 fieldmatches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the valuestored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, an O_RING 150 field has a valueof “No,” a value in the THRD_TYP 154 field matches the value stored inthe CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 matches thevalue stored in the ETHD_1_CPLNG_FAM, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 fieldmatches the value stored in the ETHD_1_SEAT_ANG 826 field, and where avalue in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1288 with any values stored in the THRD_MAJ_OD 164 field.Once the user selects the outside diameter of the second manufacturer'scoupling thread from the drop-down menu 1288 and selects the “Next”button 1032, a thread outside diameter will be stored. The threadoutside diameter size value may be stored, in mm, in the hose assemblybuild table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external thread major outside diameter(ETHD_1_THRD_MAJ_OD) 810 field, for future reference by the hoseassembly builder tool. Regardless of the selection made by the user, thehose assembly builder tool will direct the user to the next step 1374 todetermine a swivel value.

At step 1374 (FIG. 12 ) the hose assembly builder tool may direct theuser to the swivel information screen 1312 (FIG. 38 ). After completingthe swivel information screen 1312 in step 1374, the user may proceed tostep 1376. At step 1376 (FIG. 12 ), the hose assembly builder tool mayquery whether the second manufacturer's coupling is straight or angled.Step 1376 is illustrated at FIG. 39 , as discussed above. The couplingbend angle screen 1320 may prompt the user as to the coupling bend angleusing the drop-down menu 1324 with values for the user to select inresponse to the inquiry. In this example, when the user navigates to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1324. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value inthe HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, an O_RING 150 fieldhas a value of “No,” a value in the THRD_TYP 154 field matches the valuestored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, a value in the SWIVEL 160field matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_SWIVEL 822 field, a valuein the THRD_MAJ_OD 164 field matches the value stored in theETHD_1_THRD_MAJ_OD 810 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1324 with anyvalues stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field. Once the user selects thecoupling bend angle of the second manufacturer's coupling from thedrop-down menu 1324 and selects the “Next” button 1032, a coupling bendangle will be stored. The coupling bend angle measurement may be storedin the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external malecoupling bend angle (ETHD_1_CPLNG_BND) 834 field, for future referenceby the hose assembly builder tool.

Moving on to step 1370, as shown in FIG. 12 , the hose assembly buildertool may direct the user to the thread gauge measurement screen 1356(FIG. 42 ). As discussed above, the thread gauge measurement screen 1356may include a drop-down menu 1364 having values for the user to selectin response to the inquiry. In this example, the drop-down menu 1364 ispopulated when the hose assembly builder tool loads the screen 1356.When the user navigates to the thread gauge measurement screen 1356, theuser executes a filtering process in order to populate the drop-downmenu 1364. To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform afilter on the hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identifyrecords where a value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value storedin the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 fieldmatches the value stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ETHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 802 field, an O_RING 150 field has a value of“No,” a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 field matches a value stored in theETHD_1_SEAT_ANG 826 field, a value in the THRD_TYP 154 field matches thevalue stored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, and where a value in thePART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currently beingmanufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1364 with any values stored in the THRD_SIZE 120 field.When the user selects the thread gauge size value from the drop-downmenu, and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the user may be directedto the next step 1378 to determine a thread outside diameter, and theselected thread gauge size value may be stored in the hose assemblybuild table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at the external thread size (ETHD_1_THRD_SIZE)830 field, for future reference by the hose assembly tool.

At step 1378 (FIG. 12 ) the hose assembly builder tool may direct theuser to the thread outside diameter selection screen 1284 (FIG. 36 ). Inthis example, when the user navigates to the thread outside diameterselection screen 1284, the user executes a filtering process in order topopulate the drop-down menu 1288. To achieve this, the hose assemblybuilder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling details table 100(FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP 116 fieldmatches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the valuestored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, an O_RING 150 field has a valueof “No,” a value in the THRD_TYP 154 field matches the value stored inthe CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 matches thevalue stored in the ETHD_1_CPLNG_FAM, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 fieldmatches the value stored in the ETHD_1_SEAT_ANG 826 field, a value inthe THRD_SIZE 120 field matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_THRD_SIZE830 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates thepart is currently being manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool maythen populate the drop-down menu 1288 with any values stored in theTHRD_MAJ_OD 164 field. Once the user selects the outside diameter of thesecond manufacturer's coupling thread from the drop-down menu 1288 andselects the “Next” button 1032, a thread outside diameter will bestored. The thread outside diameter size value may be stored, in mm, inthe hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external thread majoroutside diameter (ETHD_1_THRD_MAJ_OD) 810 field, for future reference bythe hose assembly builder tool. Regardless of the selection made by theuser, the hose assembly builder tool will direct the user to the nextstep 1380 to determine an outside diameter of a tube.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , the hose assembly builder tool may prompt theuser to measure and select a tube outside diameter of the secondmanufacturer's coupling (step 1380). The interface screen related tostep 1380 is illustrated at FIG. 43 , which depicts a tube outsidediameter measurement screen 1382. The main panel 1012 of the tubeoutside diameter measurement screen 1382 may include a direction 1384 tothe user to measure an outside diameter of the second manufacturer'scoupling tube, and select its size. The main panel 1012 may also includea drop-down menu 1386, with values for the user to select in response tothe inquiry. In this example, when the user navigates to the a tubeoutside diameter measurement screen 1382, the user executes a filteringprocess in order to populate the drop-down menu 1386.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool performs a filter on thehose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where avalue in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the valuestored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, anO_RING 150 field has a value of “No,” a value in the THRD_TYP 154 fieldmatches the value stored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, a value inthe CPLNG_FAM 148 matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_CPLNG_FAM, avalue in the SEAT_ANG 152 field matches the value stored in theETHD_1_SEAT_ANG 826 field, a value in the THRD_SIZE 120 field matchesthe value stored in the ETHD_1_THRD_SIZE 830 field, a value in theTHRD_MAJ_OD 164 matches a value stored in the ETHD_1_THRD_MAJ_OD 810field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates thepart is currently being manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool maythen populate the drop-down menu 1386 with any values stored in theTUBE_OD 168 field. Once the user selects the outside diameter of thesecond manufacturer's coupling tube from the drop-down menu 1386 andselects the “Next” button 1032, a tube outside diameter will be stored.The tube outside diameter value may be stored, in mm, in the hoseassembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external tube outside diameter(ETHD_1_TUBE_OD) 810 field, for future reference by the hose assemblybuilder tool.

If, at step 1342 (FIG. 12 ), the user indicates the seat angle of thesecond manufacturer's coupling is 30 degrees, the hose assembly buildertool will direct the user to step 1372 (FIG. 12 ). At step 1372, thehose assembly builder tool may prompt the user as whether the secondmanufacturer's coupling threads are tapered or straight. An interfacescreen related to step 1372 is illustrated at FIG. 44 , which depicts ataper selection screen 1388.

The main panel 1012 of the taper selection screen 1388 may include aninquiry 1390 as to whether or not the second manufacturer's couplingthreads are tapered or straight, along with a drop-down menu 1392 withvalues for the user to select in response to the inquiry. In thisexample, the values for response may include “Tapered,” “Straight,” and“I Don't Know,” although other values may be used depending, forexample, on the wording of the inquiry 1390. Depending on the user'sresponse to the inquiry 1390, the hose assembly builder tool may responddifferently. If the user indicates the second manufacturer's couplinghas tapered threads (in this example, by selecting “Tapered” from thedrop-down menu 1392), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the userwill be directed to step 1394 to determine a thread size of the secondmanufacturer's coupling. In this instance, the tapered value will bestored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at the connectiontype (ETHD_1_CNT_TYP) 806 field, for future reference by the hoseassembly builder tool. If, instead, the user indicates the secondmanufacturer's coupling has straight threads (in this example, byselecting “Straight” from the drop-down menu 1392), and then selects the“Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1396 to determinea thread size of the second manufacturer's coupling. In this instance,the straight value will be stored in the hose assembly build table 700(FIG. 9 ) at the connection type (ETHD_1_CNT_TYP) 806 field, for futurereference by the hose assembly builder tool. Finally, if the userindicates that he or she is uncertain if the second manufacturer'scoupling threads are straight or tapered (in this example, by selecting“I Don't Know” from the drop-down menu 1392), and then selects the“Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to the help screen 1150(FIG. 27 ) and, optionally, the “Contact Us” page (FIG. 28 ).

To perform steps 1394 and 1396 (FIG. 12 ) the hose assembly builder toolmay direct the user to the thread gauge measurement screen 1356, asillustrated in FIG. 42 . As described above, the thread gaugemeasurement screen 1356 may include the drop-down menu 1364 havingthread gauge measurement values for the user to select. In this example,the drop-down menu 1364 is populated when the hose assembly builder toolloads the thread gauge measurement screen 1356. To achieve this, thehose assembly builder tool may perform a filter on the hose couplingdetails table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in theHOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, avalue in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, a value in theCPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 802field, an O_RING 150 field has a value of “No,” a value in the THRD_TYP154 field matches the value stored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, avalue in the SEAT_ANG 152 field matches the value stored in theETHD_1_SEAT_ANG 826 field, a value in the CNT_TYP 146 field matches thevalue stored in the ETHD_1_CNT_TYP 806 field, and where a value in thePART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currently beingmanufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1364 with any values stored in the THRD_SIZE 120 field.When the user selects the thread gauge size value from the drop-downmenu, the selected thread gauge size value may be stored in the hoseassembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at the external thread size(ETHD_1_THRD_SIZE) 830 field, for future reference by the hose assemblytool. In step 1394, after selecting the thread gauge size value andselecting the “Next” button 1032, the user may be directed to a nextstep 1398 to determine a swivel indicator. Similarly, in step 1396,after selecting the thread gauge size value and selecting the “Next”button 1032, the user may be directed to a next step 1400 to determine athread length.

Step 1400 (FIG. 12 ) prompts a user to measure and select a threadlength of the second manufacturer's coupling. The interface screenrelated to step 1400 is illustrated at FIG. 36 , which depicts a threadlength measurement screen 1402. More specifically, the main panel 1012of the thread length measurement screen 1402 may include in instruction1404 to measure the length of the second manufacturer's coupling thread.The main panel 1012 may also include an image 1406, text or otherdiagram that indicates how the user may properly measure the length ofthe coupling. Finally, the main panel 1012 may also include a drop-downmenu 1408 including values for the user to select in response to theinstruction 1404. In this example, the drop-down menu 1408 is populatedwhen the hose assembly builder tool loads the screen 1402. When the usernavigates to the thread length measurement screen 1402, the userexecutes a filtering process in order to populate the drop-down menu1408. To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool performs a filteron the hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify recordswhere a value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, an O_RING 150 field has a value of “No,” a value in theTHRD_TYP 154 field matches the value stored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value stored inthe ETHD_1CPLNG_FAM 802 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 field matchesthe value stored in the ETHD_1_SEAT_ANG 826 field, a value in theTHRD_SIZE 120 field matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_THRD_SIZE 834field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates thepart is currently being manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool maythen populate the drop-down menu 1408 with any values stored in theTHRD_LGTH 174 field. The hose assembly builder tool may display thevalues in the drop-down menu 1408 in a format of “mm-cm-inch,” althoughother units of measure may be used. Once the user selects the length ofthe thread of the second manufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu1408 and selects the “Next” button 1032, a thread length will be stored,and the user will be directed to step 1410 to determine a swivelindicator. The thread length value may be stored, in mm, in the hoseassembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external thread length(ETHD_1_THRD_LGTH) 838 field, for future reference by the hose assemblybuilder tool.

To perform steps 1398 and 1410 (FIG. 12 ) the hose assembly builder toolmay direct the user to the swivel information screen 1312, asillustrated in FIG. 38 . As described above, the swivel informationscreen 1312 may include the drop-down menu 1316 with values for the userto select in response to the swivel inquiry. In this example, the valuesfor response may include “Yes” and “No,” although other values may beused depending, for example, on the wording of the inquiry 1314. Oncethe user selects the swivel indicator from the drop-down menu 1316 andselects the “Next” button 1032, a swivel indicator may be stored. Theswivel indicator may be stored in the hose assembly build table 700(FIG. 9 ) at an external thread swivel (ETHD_1_SWIVEL) 822 field, forfuture reference by the hose assembly builder tool. In step 1398, afterselecting the swivel indicator value and selecting the “Next” button1032, the user may be directed to a next step 1412 to determine acoupling bend angle. Similarly, in step 1410, after selecting the swivelindicator value and selecting the “Next” button 1032, the user may bedirected to a next step 1414 to determine to determine a coupling bendangle.

After completing step 1398, the user may proceed to step 1412. At step1412 (FIG. 12 ), the hose assembly builder tool may direct the user tothe coupling bend angle screen 1320, as illustrated at FIG. 39 , asdiscussed above. The coupling bend angle screen 1320 may prompt the useras to the coupling bend angle using the drop-down menu 1324 with valuesfor the user to select in response to the inquiry. In this example, whenthe user navigates to the coupling bend angle screen 1320, the userexecutes a filtering process in order to populate the drop-down menu1324. To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool performs a filteron the hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify recordswhere a value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, an O_RING 150 field has a value of “No,” a value in theTHRD_TYP 154 field matches the value stored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the values stored inthe ETHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 802 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 fieldmatches the stored value in the ETHD_1_SEAT_ANG 826, a value in theCNT_TYP 146 field matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_CNT_TYP 806field, a value in the THRD_SIZE 120 field matches the value stored inthe ETHD_1_THRD_SIZE 830 field, a value in the SWIVEL 160 field matchesthe value stored in the ETHD_1_SWIVEL 822 field, and where a value inthe PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currently beingmanufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1324 with any values stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field.Once the user selects the coupling bend angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1324 and selects the“Next” button 1032, a coupling bend angle will be stored. The couplingbend angle measurement may be stored in the hose assembly build table700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external male coupling bend angle (ETHD_1_CPLNG_BND)834 field, for future reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

At step 1414 (FIG. 12 ), the hose assembly builder tool may direct theuser to the coupling bend angle screen 1320, as illustrated at FIG. 39 ,as discussed above. In this example, when the user navigates to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1324. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value inthe HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, an O_RING 150 fieldhas a value of “No,” a value in the THRD_TYP 154 field matches the valuestored in the CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148field matches the values stored in the ETHD_1CPLNG_FAM 802 field, avalue in the SEAT_ANG 152 field matches the stored value in theETHD_1_SEAT_ANG 826, a value in the CNT_TYP 146 field matches the valuestored in the ETHD_1_CNT_TYP 806 field, a value in the THRD_SIZE 120field matches the value stored in the ETHD_1_THRD_SIZE 830 field, avalue in the THRD_LGTH 174 field matches the value stored in theETHD_1_THRD_LGTH 838 field, a value in the SWIVEL 160 field matches thevalue stored in the ETHD_1_SWIVEL 822 field, and where a value in thePART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currently beingmanufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1324 with any values stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field.Once the user selects the coupling bend angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1324 and selects the“Next” button 1032, a coupling bend angle will be stored. The couplingbend angle measurement may be stored in the hose assembly build table700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external male coupling bend angle (ETHD_1_CPLNG_BND)834 field, for future reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

Referring now to FIG. 13 , at step 1262 the hose assembly builder toolmay prompt the user to select a coupling seat angle style of the secondmanufacturer's coupling. The interface screen related to step 1262 isillustrated at FIG. 46 , which depicts a coupling seat angle styleselection screen 1416.

The main panel 1012 of the coupling seat angle style selection screen1416 may include a direction 1418 to the user to select a coupling seatangle style of the second manufacturer's coupling, along with a set ofoptions 1420 with values for the user to select in response to theinquiry. The user may select the coupling seat angle style from the setof options 1420. Each coupling seat angle style may be displayed with animage 1422 of the seat angle style and a description 1424 of the seatangle style, so the user may more easily identify the secondmanufacturer's coupling seat angle style. In this example, values forresponse may include “Female swivel—Conical seat (with or withoutO-ring),” “Female swivel—Flare,” “Female swivel—Flat face seal,” and“Female swivel—Spherical seat (round, unable to measure angle),”although other values may be used.

Depending on the user's response to the direction 1418, the hoseassembly builder tool may respond differently. If the user indicates thesecond manufacturer's coupling has a female swivel—conical seat anglestyle (in this example, by selecting the “Female swivel—Conical seat(with or without O-Ring)” option from the set of options 1420), and thenselects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1426(FIG. 13 ) related to identifying a seat angle measurement. If, instead,the user indicates the second manufacturer's coupling has a femaleswivel—flare seat angle style (in this example, by selecting the “Femaleswivel—Flare” option from the set of options 1420), and then selects the“Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1428 (FIG. 13 )related to identifying a seat angle measurement. If, however, the userindicates the second manufacturer's coupling has a Female swivel—flatface seal seat angle style (in this example, by selecting the “Femaleswivel—Flat face seal” option from the set of options 1420), and thenselects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1430related to identifying a thread inside diameter. Finally, if the userindicates the second manufacturer's coupling has a spherical seat anglestyle (in this example, by selecting the “Female swivel—Spherical seat(round, unable to measure angle)” option from the set of options 1420),and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed tothe help screen 1150 (FIG. 27 ) and, optionally, the “Contact Us” page(FIG. 28 ). When the user selects the “Next” button 1032, regardless thecoupling seat angle style selected, the coupling family (e.g. male cone,female swivel, etc.) associated with the selected coupling seat anglestyle may be stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) atthe first coupling family (ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM) 846 field, for futurereference by the hose assembly tool.

If, at step 1262, the user indicated the seat angle style of the secondmanufacturer's coupling was a female swivel—flare style, the hoseassembly builder tool will direct the user to step 1428 to select acoupling seat angle of the second manufacturer's coupling. Using agauge, the user may measure the seat angle of the coupling. Theinterface screen related to step 1428 is illustrated at FIG. 47 , whichdepicts a seat angle measurement screen 1432.

The main panel 1012 of the seat angle measurement screen 1432 mayinclude direction 1434 to select a measured seat angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling, as well as at least one image 1436 or textinstruction indicating a proper procedure and alignment for measuringthe seat angle of the second manufacturer's coupling. The seat anglemeasurement screen 1432 may also include a drop-down menu 1438 havingvalues for the user to select in response to the inquiry. In thisexample, the drop-down menu 1438 is populated when the user navigates tothe seat angle measurement screen 1432. In doing so, the user executes afiltering process in order to populate the drop-down menu 1438.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL180 field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1348 with anyvalues stored in the SEAT_ANG 152 field. Once the user selects the seatangle of the second manufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1348and selects the “Next” button 1032, a coupling seat angle will bestored. The coupling seat angle measurement may be stored in the hoseassembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external coupling seat angle(ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG) 850 field, for future reference by the hose assemblybuilder tool.

Once step 1428 is complete, the user may be directed to step 1440, toselect an inside thread diameter. The interface screen related to step1440 is illustrated at FIG. 48 , which depicts a thread inside diameterscreen 1442.

The main panel 1012 of the thread inside diameter screen 1442 mayinclude direction 1444 to determine a thread internal diameter of asecond manufacturer's coupling, as well as at least one image 1446 ortext instruction indicating a proper procedure and alignment formeasuring the inside diameter of the thread of the second manufacturer'scoupling. The thread inside diameter screen 1442 may also include adrop-down menu 1448 having values for the user to select in response tothe inquiry. In this example, the drop-down menu 1448 is populated whenthe user navigates to thread inside diameter screen 1442. In doing so,the user executes a filtering process in order to populate the drop-downmenu 1448.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 fieldmachines the value stored in the ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, and where avalue in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1448 with any values stored in the THRD_MIN_ID 162 field.Once the user selects the thread inside diameter of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1448 and selects the“Next” button 1032, an inside diameter of the thread will be stored. Thethread inside diameter measurement may be stored in the hose assemblybuild table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external coupling seat angle(ITHD_1_THRD_MIN_ID) 854 field, for future reference by the hoseassembly builder tool.

Once step 1440 is complete, the hose assembly builder tool may directthe user to step 1450 to select a coupling bend angle. Morespecifically, the hose assembly builder tool may direct the user to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, as illustrated at FIG. 39 , asdiscussed above. In this example, when the user navigates to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1324. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value inthe HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, a value in theCPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value stored in the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 field machines the value stored inthe ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, a value in the THRD_MIN_ID 162 fieldmatches the value stored in the ITHD_1_THRD_MIN_ID 854 field, and wherea value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1324 with any values stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field.Once the user selects the coupling bend angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1324 and selects the“Next” button 1032, a coupling bend angle will be stored. The couplingbend angle measurement may be stored in the hose assembly build table700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external male coupling bend angle (ITHD_1_CPLNG_BND)858 field, for future reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

If, at step 1262, the user indicated the seat angle style of the secondmanufacturer's coupling was a female swivel—conical seat style, the hoseassembly builder tool will direct the user to step 1426 to select acoupling seat angle of the second manufacturer's coupling. Using agauge, the user may measure the seat angle of the coupling. Theinterface screen related to step 1426 is illustrated at FIG. 49 , whichdepicts a seat angle measurement screen 1452.

The main panel 1012 of the seat angle measurement screen 1452 mayinclude direction 1454 to select a measured seat angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling, as well as at least one image 1456 or textinstruction indicating a proper procedure and alignment for measuringthe seat angle of the second manufacturer's coupling. The seat anglemeasurement screen 1452 may also include a drop-down menu 1458 havingvalues for the user to select in response to the inquiry. In thisexample, the drop-down menu 1458 is populated when the user navigates tothe seat angle measurement screen 1452. In doing so, the user executes afiltering process in order to populate the drop-down menu 1458.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL180 field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1458 with anyvalues stored in the SEAT_ANG 152 field. Once the user selects the seatangle of the second manufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1458and selects the “Next” button 1032, a coupling seat angle will bestored. The coupling seat angle measurement may be stored in the hoseassembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external coupling seat angle(ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG) 850 field, for future reference by the hose assemblybuilder tool.

Depending on the user's response to the direction 1454, the hoseassembly builder tool may respond differently. If the user indicates theseat angle is 12 degrees (in this example, by selecting “12” from thedrop-down menu 1458), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the userwill be directed to step 1460 (FIG. 13 ) related to an O-ring locationidentifier. If, instead, the user indicates the seat angle is 30 degrees(in this example, by selecting “30” from the drop-down menu 1458), andthen selects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step1462 (FIG. 13 ) related to identifying a thread inside diameter. If,however, the user indicates the seat angle is 45 degrees (in thisexample, by selecting “45” from the drop-down menu 1458), and thenselects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1506(FIG. 13 ) related to selecting a thread inside diameter. Finally, ifthe user indicates he or she is unsure about the seat angle measurement(in this example, by selecting “I Don't Know” from the drop-down menu1458), and then selects the “Next” button 1032, the user will bedirected to the help screen 1150 (FIG. 27 ) and, optionally, the“Contact Us” page (FIG. 28 ).

If, at step 1426, the user indicated the seat angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling was 12 degrees, the hose assembly builder toolwill direct the user to step 1460 to select an O-ring locationidentifier. The interface screen related to step 1460 is illustrated atFIG. 50 , which depicts an O-ring location identifier screen 1461.

The main panel 1012 of the O-ring location identifier screen 1461 mayinclude an inquiry 1464 as to whether or not the second manufacturer'scoupling has an O-ring location, along with a drop-down menu 1466 withvalues for the user to select in response to the inquiry. In thisexample, the values for response may include “Yes” and “No,” althoughother values may be used depending, for example, on the wording of theinquiry 1464. Once the user selects the O-ring indicator from thedrop-down menu 1466 and selects the “Next” button 1032, an O-ringindicator may be stored. The O-ring indicator may be stored in the hoseassembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external thread swivel(ITHD_1_O_RING) 862 field, for future reference by the hose assemblybuilder tool.

Depending on the user's response to the inquiry 1464, the hose assemblybuilder tool may respond differently. If the user indicates the secondmanufacturer's coupling has an O-ring location (in this example, byselecting “Yes” from the drop-down menu 1466), and then selects the“Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1468 (FIG. 13 ) toselect a nut diameter. If, instead, the user indicates the secondmanufacturer's coupling does not have an O-ring location (in thisexample, by selecting “No” from the drop-down menu 1466), and thenselects the “Next” button 1032, the user will be directed to step 1470(FIG. 13 ) to select a thread inside diameter.

If, at step 1460, the user indicated the second manufacturer's couplinghad an O-ring location, the hose assembly builder tool will direct theuser to step 1468 to select a nut diameter. The interface screen relatedto step 1468 is illustrated at FIG. 51 , which depicts a nut diameterscreen 1472. The main panel 1012 of the nut diameter screen 1472 mayinclude a direction 1475 to select a measured nut diameter of the secondmanufacturer's coupling, as well as at least one image 1476 or textinstruction indicating a proper procedure and alignment for measuringthe nut diameter of the second manufacturer's coupling. The nut diameterscreen 1472 may also include a drop-down menu 1478 having values for theuser to select in response to the inquiry. In this example, thedrop-down menu 1478 is populated when the user navigates to the nutdiameter screen 1472. In doing so, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1478.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 fieldmatches the value stored in the ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, and where avalue in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1478 with any values stored in the HEX_SIZE 170 field.Once the user selects the nut diameter of the second manufacturer'scoupling from the drop-down menu 1478 and selects the “Next” button1032, a nut diameter value will be stored. The nut diameter measurementmay be stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at anexternal coupling seat angle (ITHD_1_HEX_SIZE) 870 field, for futurereference by the hose assembly builder tool.

Once the user has completed step 1468, the hose assembly builder toolwill direct the user to step 1480 to select a nut length. The interfacescreen related to step 1480 is illustrated at FIG. 52 , which depicts anut length screen 1482. The main panel 1012 of the nut length screen1482 may include direction 1484 to select a measured nut length of thesecond manufacturer's coupling, as well as at least one image 1486 ortext instruction indicating a proper procedure and alignment formeasuring the nut length of the second manufacturer's coupling. The nutlength screen 1482 may also include a drop-down menu 1488 having valuesfor the user to select in response to the inquiry. In this example, thedrop-down menu 1488 is populated when the user navigates to the nutlength screen 1482. In doing so, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1488.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 fieldmatches the value stored in the ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, a value inthe HEX_SIZE 170 field matches the value stored in the ITHD_1_HEX_SIZE870 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates thepart is currently being manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool maythen populate the drop-down menu 1478 with any values stored in theNUT_THICK 172 field. Once the user selects the nut length of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1478 and selects the“Next” button 1032, a nut diameter value will be stored. The nutdiameter measurement may be stored in the hose assembly build table 700(FIG. 9 ) at an external coupling seat angle (ITHD_1_NUT_THICK) 874field, for future reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

Once step 1480 is complete, the hose assembly builder tool may directthe user to step 1490 to select a coupling bend angle. Morespecifically, the hose assembly builder tool may direct the user to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, as illustrated at FIG. 39 , asdiscussed above. In this example, when the user navigates to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1324. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records to identify records where avalue in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the valuestored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, a valuein the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value stored in theITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 field matchesthe value stored in the ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, a value in theHEX_SIZE 170 field matches the value stored in the ITHD_1_HEX_SIZE 870field, a value in the NUT_THICK 172 field matches the value stored inthe ITHD_1_NUT_THICK 874 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL180 field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1324 with anyvalues stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field. Once the user selects thecoupling bend angle of the second manufacturer's coupling from thedrop-down menu 1324 and selects the “Next” button 1032, a coupling bendangle will be stored. The coupling bend angle measurement may be storedin the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external malecoupling bend angle (ITHD_1_CPLNG_BND) 858 field, for future referenceby the hose assembly builder tool.

If, at step 1460, the user indicated the second manufacturer's couplingdid not have an O-ring location, the hose assembly builder tool willdirect the user to step 1470. More specifically the hose assemblybuilder tool will direct the user to the thread inside diameter screen1442, as illustrated in FIG. 48 . In this example, the drop-down menu1448 is populated when the user navigates to thread inside diameterscreen 1442. In doing so, the user executes a filtering process in orderto populate the drop-down menu 1448.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 fieldmachines the value stored in the ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, and where avalue in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1448 with any values stored in the THRD_MIN_ID 162 field.Once the user selects the thread inside diameter of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1448 and selects the“Next” button 1032, an inside diameter of the thread will be stored. Thethread inside diameter measurement may be stored in the hose assemblybuild table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external coupling seat angle(ITHD_1_THRD_MIN_ID) 854 field, for future reference by the hoseassembly builder tool.

Once step 1470 is completed by the user, the hose assembly builder toolwill direct the user to step 1472. More specifically, the hose assemblybuilder tool may direct the user to the tube outside diametermeasurement screen 1382. The main panel 1012 may include a drop-downmenu 1386, with values for the user to select in response to theinquiry. In this example, when the user navigates to the tube outsidediameter measurement screen 1382, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1386.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool performs a filter on thehose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where avalue in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the valuestored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, a valuein the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value stored in theITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 field matchesthe value stored in the ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, a value in theTHRD_MIN_ID 162 field matches the value stored in the ITHD_1_THRD_MIN_ID854, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the partis currently being manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may thenpopulate the drop-down menu 1386 with any values stored in the TUBE_OD168 field. Once the user selects the outside diameter of the secondmanufacturer's coupling tube from the drop-down menu 1386 and selectsthe “Next” button 1032, a tube outside diameter will be stored. The tubeoutside diameter value may be stored, in mm, in the hose assembly buildtable 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external tube outside diameter(ITHD_1_TUBE_OD) 866 field, for future reference by the hose assemblybuilder tool.

Once step 1472 is complete, the hose assembly builder tool may directthe user to step 1474 to select a coupling bend angle. Morespecifically, the hose assembly builder tool may direct the user to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, as illustrated at FIG. 39 , asdiscussed above. In this example, when the user navigates to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1324. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value inthe HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, a value in theCPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value stored in the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 field matches the value stored in theITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, a value in the TUB_OD 168 field matches thevalue stored in the ITHD_1_TUBE_OD 866 field, and where a value in thePART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currently beingmanufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1324 with any values stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field.Once the user selects the coupling bend angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1324 and selects the“Next” button 1032, a coupling bend angle will be stored. The couplingbend angle measurement may be stored in the hose assembly build table700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external male coupling bend angle (ITHD_1_CPLNG_BND)858 field, for future reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

If, at step 1426, the user indicated the second manufacturer's seatangle was 30 degrees, the hose assembly builder tool will direct theuser to step 1462. More specifically the hose assembly builder tool willdirect the user to the thread inside diameter screen 1442, asillustrated in FIG. 48 . In this example, the drop-down menu 1448 ispopulated when the user navigates to thread inside diameter screen 1442.In doing so, the user executes a filtering process in order to populatethe drop-down menu 1448.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 fieldmachines the value stored in the ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, and where avalue in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1448 with any values stored in the THRD_MIN_ID 162 field.Once the user selects the thread inside diameter of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1448 and selects the“Next” button 1032, an inside diameter of the thread will be stored. Thethread inside diameter measurement may be stored in the hose assemblybuild table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external coupling seat angle(ITHD_1_THRD_MIN_ID) 854 field, for future reference by the hoseassembly builder tool.

Once step 1462 is complete, the hose assembly builder tool may directthe user to step 1492 to select a seal-to-nut length. The interfacescreen related to step 1492 is illustrated at FIG. 53 , which depicts aseal-to-nut length calculation screen 1494. The main panel 1012 of theseal-to-nut length calculation screen 1494 may include a prompt 1496 tomeasure the seal-to-nut length, as well as at least one image 1498 andat least one descriptive text 1500 region to ensure proper procedure andalignment for measuring the seal to nut length. The seal-to-nut lengthcalculation screen 1494 may also include a drop-down menu 1502 havingvalues for the user to select in response to the inquiry. In thisexample, the drop-down menu 1502 is populated when the user navigates tothe seal-to-nut length calculation screen 1494. In doing so, the userexecutes a filtering process in order to populate the drop-down menu1502.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 fieldmatches the value stored in the ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, a value inthe THRD_MIN_ID 162 field matches the value stored in theITHD_1_THRD_MIN_ID 854 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1478 with anyvalues stored in the SEAL_NUT_LGTH 178 field. Once the user selects thenut diameter of the second manufacturer's coupling from the drop-downmenu 1502 and selects the “Next” button 1032, a seal to nut length valuewill be stored. The seal to nut length measurement may be stored in thehose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external coupling seatangle (ITHD_1_SEAL_NUT_LGTH) 878 field, for future reference by the hoseassembly builder tool.

Once step 1492 is complete, the hose assembly builder tool may directthe user to step 1504 to select a coupling bend angle. Morespecifically, the hose assembly builder tool may direct the user to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, as illustrated at FIG. 39 , asdiscussed above. In this example, when the user navigates to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1324. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value inthe HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, a value in theCPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value stored in the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 field matches the value stored in theITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, a value in the THRD_MIN_ID 162 field matchesthe value stored in the ITHD_1_THRD_MIN_ID 854 field, a value in theSEAL_NUT_LGTH 178 field matches the value stored in theITHD_1_SEAL_NUT_LGTH 878, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL 180field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1324 with anyvalues stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field. Once the user selects thecoupling bend angle of the second manufacturer's coupling from thedrop-down menu 1324 and selects the “Next” button 1032, a coupling bendangle will be stored. The coupling bend angle measurement may be storedin the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external malecoupling bend angle (ITHD_1_CPLNG_BND) 858 field, for future referenceby the hose assembly builder tool.

If, at step 1426, the user indicated the second manufacturer's seatangle was 45 degrees, the hose assembly builder tool will direct theuser to step 1506. More specifically the hose assembly builder tool willdirect the user to the thread inside diameter screen 1442, asillustrated in FIG. 48 . In this example, the drop-down menu 1448 ispopulated when the user navigates to thread inside diameter screen 1442.In doing so, the user executes a filtering process in order to populatethe drop-down menu 1448.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 fieldmachines the value stored in the ITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, and where avalue in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1448 with any values stored in the THRD_MIN_ID 162 field.Once the user selects the thread inside diameter of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1448 and selects the“Next” button 1032, an inside diameter of the thread will be stored. Thethread inside diameter measurement may be stored in the hose assemblybuild table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external coupling seat angle(ITHD_1_THRD_MIN_ID) 854 field, for future reference by the hoseassembly builder tool.

Once step 1506 is complete, the hose assembly builder tool may directthe user to step 1508 to select a coupling bend angle. Morespecifically, the hose assembly builder tool may direct the user to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, as illustrated at FIG. 39 , asdiscussed above. In this example, when the user navigates to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1324. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value inthe HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, a value in theCPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value stored in the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846field, a value in the SEAT_ANG 152 field matches the value stored in theITHD_1_SEAT_ANG 850 field, a value in the THRD_MIN_ID 162 field matchesthe value stored in the ITHD_1_THRD_MIN_ID 854 field, and where a valuein the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currently beingmanufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1324 with any values stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field.Once the user selects the coupling bend angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1324 and selects the“Next” button 1032, a coupling bend angle will be stored. The couplingbend angle measurement may be stored in the hose assembly build table700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external male coupling bend angle (ITHD_1_CPLNG_BND)858 field, for future reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

If, at step 1262, the user indicated the second manufacturer's seatangle style was a female—swivel flat face, the hose assembly buildertool will direct the user to step 1430. More specifically the hoseassembly builder tool will direct the user to the thread inside diameterscreen 1442, as illustrated in FIG. 48 . In this example, the drop-downmenu 1448 is populated when the user navigates to thread inside diameterscreen 1442. In doing so, the user executes a filtering process in orderto populate the drop-down menu 1448.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL180 field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1448 with anyvalues stored in the THRD_MIN_ID 162 field. Once the user selects thethread inside diameter of the second manufacturer's coupling from thedrop-down menu 1448 and selects the “Next” button 1032, an insidediameter of the thread will be stored. The thread inside diametermeasurement may be stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 )at an external coupling seat angle (ITHD_1_THRD_MIN_ID) 854 field, forfuture reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

Once step 1430 is complete, the hose assembly builder tool may directthe user to step 1510 to select a coupling bend angle. Morespecifically, the hose assembly builder tool may direct the user to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, as illustrated at FIG. 39 , asdiscussed above. In this example, when the user navigates to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1324. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value inthe HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, a value in theCPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value stored in the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846field, a value in the THRD_MIN_ID 162 field matches the value stored inthe ITHD_1_THRD_MIN_ID 854 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL180 field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1324 with anyvalues stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field. Once the user selects thecoupling bend angle of the second manufacturer's coupling from thedrop-down menu 1324 and selects the “Next” button 1032, a coupling bendangle will be stored. The coupling bend angle measurement may be storedin the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external malecoupling bend angle (ITHD_1_CPLNG_BND) 858 field, for future referenceby the hose assembly builder tool.

Referring now to FIG. 14 , if, at step 1248 (FIG. 11 ), the userindicated the coupling style of the second manufacturer's coupling was aflange, the hose assembly builder tool may direct the user to step 1264to measure a flange head diameter. The interface screen related to step1264 is illustrated at FIG. 54 , which depicts a flange head diameterscreen 1512. The main panel 1012 of the flange head diameter screen 1512may include a prompt 1514, an image 1516 depicting a proper procedureand alignment for measuring the flange head diameter. The flange headdiameter screen 1512 may also include a drop-down menu 1518 havingvalues for the user to select in response to the inquiry. In thisexample, the drop-down menu 1518 is populated when the user navigates tothe flange head diameter screen 1512. In doing so, the user executes afiltering process in order to populate the drop-down menu 1518.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, and where a value in the PART_SVC_LVL180 field indicates the part is currently being manufactured. The hoseassembly builder tool may then populate the drop-down menu 1518 with anyvalues stored in the HEAD_SIZE 118 field. Once the user selects thediameter of the flange head of the second manufacturer's coupling fromthe drop-down menu 1518 and selects the “Next” button 1032, a flangehead diameter value may be stored. The flange head diameter measurementmay be stored in the hose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at anexternal coupling seat angle (FLG_1_HEAD_SIZE) 790 field, for futurereference by the hose assembly builder tool.

Upon completion of step 1264, the hose assembly builder tool may directthe user to step 1520 to measure a flange head thickness. The interfacescreen related to step 1520 is illustrated at FIG. 55 , which depicts aflange head thickness screen 1522. The main panel 1012 of the flangehead thickness screen 1522 may include a prompt 1524, an image 1526depicting a proper procedure and alignment for measuring the flange headthickness. The flange head thickness screen 1522 may also include adrop-down menu 1528 having values for the user to select in response tothe inquiry. In this example, the drop-down menu 1528 is populated whenthe user navigates to the flange head thickness screen 1522. In doingso, the user executes a filtering process in order to populate thedrop-down menu 1528.

To achieve this, the hose assembly builder tool may perform a filter onthe hose coupling details table 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records wherea value in the HOSE_TYP 116 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_TYP 704 field, a value in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches thevalue stored in the HOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in theHOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE778 field, a value in the CPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value storedin the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846 field, a value in the HEAD_SIZE 118 fieldmatches the value stored in the FLG_1_HEAD_SIZE 790 field, and where avalue in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1528 with any values stored in the HEAD_THICK 166 field.Once the user selects the thickness of the flange head of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1528 and selects the“Next” button 1032, a flange head thickness value may be stored. Theflange head thickness measurement may be stored in the hose assemblybuild table 700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external coupling seat angle(FLG_1_HEAD_THICK) 794 field, for future reference by the hose assemblybuilder tool.

Once step 1520 is complete, the hose assembly builder tool may directthe user to step 1530 to select a coupling bend angle. Morespecifically, the hose assembly builder tool may direct the user to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, as illustrated at FIG. 39 , asdiscussed above. In this example, when the user navigates to thecoupling bend angle screen 1320, the user executes a filtering processin order to populate the drop-down menu 1324. To achieve this, the hoseassembly builder tool performs a filter on the hose coupling detailstable 100 (FIG. 1 ), to identify records where a value in the HOSE_TYP116 field matches the value stored in the HOSE_TYP 704 field, a value inthe HOSE_INSD_DIA 128 field matches the value stored in theHOSE_INSD_DIA 706 field, a value in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 140 field matchesthe value stored in the HOSE_DASH_SIZE 778 field, a value in theCPLNG_FAM 148 field matches the value stored in the ITHD_1_CPLNG_FAM 846field, a value in the HEAD_SIZE 118 field matches the value stored inthe FLG_1_HEAD_SIZE 790 field, a value in the HEAD_THICK 166 fieldmatches the value stored in the FLG_1_HEAD_THICK 794 field, and where avalue in the PART_SVC_LVL 180 field indicates the part is currentlybeing manufactured. The hose assembly builder tool may then populate thedrop-down menu 1324 with any values stored in the CPLNG_BND 110 field.Once the user selects the coupling bend angle of the secondmanufacturer's coupling from the drop-down menu 1324 and selects the“Next” button 1032, a coupling bend angle will be stored. The couplingbend angle measurement may be stored in the hose assembly build table700 (FIG. 9 ) at an external male coupling bend angle (FLG_1_CPLNG_BND)798 field, for future reference by the hose assembly builder tool.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14 , at a step 1540 a coupling build resultlist may be displayed to the user. The interface screen related to step1540 is illustrated at FIG. 56 , which depicts a coupling build resultscreen 1542. The main panel 1012 of the coupling build result screen1542 may include a “Contact Us” link 1544, along with a list 1546 ofselectable coupling build results corresponding to couplings of thefirst manufacturer meeting all criteria specified by the user in each ofthe previous steps. The coupling build result screen 1542 may alsoinclude the “Go Back” button 1030, a “Start Over” button 1548 and an“Identify Coupling(s)” button 1550. Selecting the “Start Over” button1548 returns the user to the coupling style selection screen 1266 (FIG.34 ).

Each build result may include an indicator 1554 that is selectable bythe user. The list 1546 of selectable coupling build results may includea number of data values, including a part number 1556, a coupling type1558, a permanent or reusable indicator 1560, a coupling bend angle1562, a drop length 1564, a seal part number 1566, and a mating partnumber 1568. More specifically, with reference to the hose couplingdetails table 100 (FIG. 3 ) the part number 1556 value may correspond tothe CAT_ID_NO_20 102 field, the coupling type 1558 value may correspondto the CPLNG_TYP 106 field, the permanent or reusable indicator 1560value may correspond to the PERM_CPLNG_IND 124 field and theREUSE_CPLNG_IND 126 field, the coupling bend angle 1562 value maycorrespond to the CPLNG_BND 110 field, the drop length 1564 value maycorrespond to the DRP_LGTH 114 field, the seal part number 1566 valuemay correspond to the SEAL_PART_NO 130 field, and the mating part 1568value may correspond to the MATING_PART 176 field.

Once the user selects a compatible coupling of the first manufacturerfrom the list 1546 of coupling build results, and selects the “IdentifyCoupling(s)” button 1550, the hose assembly builder tool generates aframe 1552 within the screen 1542. The frame includes a query asking theuser if the second coupling is the same model as the one presentlybuilt. The frame 1552 includes links labeled “Yes” 1570 and “No” 1572.If the user selects “No” 1572 the hose assembly builder tool returns theuser to the coupling style selection screen 1266 (FIG. 34 ), allowingthe user to step through each of the coupling build steps again, togenerate a second coupling build that may be different from the first.Meanwhile, selecting the “Yes” 1570 link copies the data stored in thehose assembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ), from the first coupling storagefields into corresponding storage fields relating to the secondcoupling. For example, the value stored in CPLNG_1_THRD_TYP 786 iscopied into the CPLNG_2_THRD_TYP 788 field. Likewise if values arestored in FLG_1_HEAD_SIZE, ETHD_1_CPLNG_FAM, or ITHD_1_THRD_LGTH, thevalues would be copied into FLG_2_HEAD_SIZE, ETHD_2_CPLNG_FAM, orITHD_2_THRD_LGTH, respectively. In addition, selecting the “Yes” 1570link generates a bill of materials (FIG. 57 ).

Referring now to FIG. 57 , a bill of materials is illustrated, displayedon a complete build screen 1574, and generated according to an exemplaryhose and coupling arrangement. The main panel 1012 of the complete buildscreen 1574 may include a “Contact Us” link 1576, along with relevantdata related to the features specified by the user in each of theprevious steps. The bill of materials may include Hose Information 1578including a first manufacturer hose part number, a hose inside diameter,a type classification, a description, a hose dash size, a hose outsidediameter, a minimum burst pressure (kPa), a maximum work pressure (kPa),a minimum bend radius, a lowest temperature (Fahrenheit), and a maximumtemperature (Fahrenheit). The Hose Information 1578 section may alsoinclude a hose assembly length, which was set by the user at step 1058(FIG. 10 ). This hose assembly length is used by the hose assemblybuilder tool to calculate the hose cut length, which is also included inthe Hose Information section 1578 of the complete build screen 1574. Asdiscussed above, the hose coupling details table 100 stores, for eachcoupling, that coupling's specific cut off factor (CUT_OFF_FCTR) 112. Tocalculate the hose cut length, the hose assembly builder tool subtractsthe stored cut off factor for each coupling from the hose assemblylength as specified by the user. This informs the technician how longthe hose should be cut so that when the couplings are installed in thehose, the hose assembly length matches what is specified by the user.Finally, the Hose Information 1578 includes the angle of orientation,which was also specified by the user at step 1058 (FIG. 19 ).

The complete build screen 1574 further includes Coupling 1 Information1580 and Coupling 2 Information 1582, which may specify, for eachcoupling, a first manufacturer part number, a coupling type, a permanentcoupling or reusable coupling indicator, a coupling bend, a drop length,an associated seal part number, and a mating part. Each of these piecesof information may have been specified by a user at steps 1248 through1520 (FIGS. 34-55 ). The complete build screen 1574 may also include anArmor Guard Information section 1584, which may display the guardinformation specified by the user at step 1078 through 1102 (FIGS. 20-22).

The user may also be prompted to provide information related to thesecond manufacturer's hose, in the event the user opts to save thecompleted hose assembly build information. Specifically, the user mayselect the Machine OEM from a drop-down menu 1592, populated from thevalues stored in the original equipment manufacturer information table600 (FIG. 8 ). The user may also enter the second manufacturer's salesmodel in a text box 1594, a corresponding second manufacturer's partnumber in a text box 1596, a corresponding second manufacturer's machineserial number in a text box 1598, and finally any comments related tothe build in text box 1600. As will be discussed in reference to FIGS.59-60 , each of these fields 1592-1600 may be searched by the user at alater time, if the user elects to save the hose assembly buildinformation.

The main panel 1012 may include a “Start Over” button 1586, which, whenselected by the user, may direct the user back to step 1000 (FIG. 16 ).The hose and coupling information generated and stored in the hoseassembly build table 700 (FIG. 9 ) may be deleted, as well. The mainpanel 1012 may also include a “Save” button 1588 and a “Report” button1590. When the user selects the “Save” button 1588, the hose assemblybuilder tool may assign a hose assembly identification number to thebuild. The hose assembly identification number may be stored, along withthe build information in the hose assembly build table 700 at theHOSE_ASSM_ID 702 field. The hose assembly builder tool may also storethe user-defined second manufacturer's assembly information in the hoseassembly build table 700. More specifically the value entered in thesecond manufacturer's Machine OEM field 1592 may be stored in theNCAT_MACH_OEM field 890 of the hose assembly build table 700, the valueentered in the second manufacturer's Sales Model field 1594 may bestored in the NCAT_SLS_MDL 892 field, the value entered in the secondmanufacturer's Part Number field 1596 may be stored in theNCAT_HOSE_PART_NO 894 field, the value entered in the secondmanufacturer's Machine Serial Number field 1598 may be stored in theNCAT_MACH_SER_NO 896 field, and any comments entered in the commentfield 1600 may be stored in the CMNT_TXT_1 888 field. Finally, selectingthe “Report” button 1590 generates a Hose & Coupling Non-CaterpillarHose Assembly Report, which is shown more specifically in FIG. 58 .

With reference to FIG. 58 , when the user selects the “Report” button1590, the hose assembly builder tool will generate and display the Hose& Coupling Non-Caterpillar Hose Assembly Report in a new window 1602.The Hose & Coupling Non-Caterpillar Hose Assembly Report contains thesame hose and coupling information 1578, 1580, 1582, 1584 as shown inthe complete build screen 1574, with additional display options.Specifically, the window 1602 includes a “Save” button 1604, a “Print”button 1606, and a “Close” button 1608. If the user selects the “Save”button 1604, the hose assembly builder tool may generate a text document(e.g. .txt file) including the displayed information. Selecting the“Print” button 1606 opens a printing prompt for the user to print thedisplayed information. Finally, selecting the “Close” button 1608,closes the window 1602, and returns the user to the complete buildscreen 1574.

The hose assembly builder tool includes a Hose Assembly Search to allowthe user to search for hose assemblies built by users of the hoseassembly builder tool. Referring specifically to FIG. 59 , the HoseAssembly Search may be accessed by clicking on a link 1612 to the HoseAssembly Search in the side panel 1008 of the Hydraulic InformationSystem frame 1004. The main panel 1012 of the Hose Assembly Searchscreen 1610 includes a “Search by:” field, including a drop-down menu1614 and a search box 1616. The “Search by:” drop-down menu allows auser to search using various fields including, for example, HoseAssembly Part Number, Dealer Code, Comments, Non-Caterpillar MachineOEM, Non-Caterpillar Sales Model, Non-Caterpillar Part Number, andNon-Caterpillar Machine Serial Number. Once the user selects a searchfield from the drop-down menu 1614 and enters search text in the textbox 1616, the user may user the “Search” button 1618 to begin thesearch. The hose assembly builder tool with search the hose assemblybuild table 700 according to the user's specified search. Any valuesreturned may be listed in a region 1620 of the main panel 1012.

FIG. 60 provides a result screen 1622 of the Hose Assembly Search,illustrating a search result 1630, as shown in the region 1620 of themain panel 1012. One or more search results may be returned from theuser's search, and as such, the user may select an assembly to seeadditional information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 60 , the user mayselect the result 1630, and then select either the “Consist” button 1632or the “Report” button 1634. If the user selects the “Report” button1634, the hose assembly builder tool will generate and display A Hose &Coupling Assembly Search Report in a new window (not shown). The Hose &Coupling Assembly Search Report contains the search result list, andassociated information, as shown in FIG. 60 . As described withreference to FIG. 58 , the user may choose to print or save the Hose &Coupling Assembly Search Report. If the user selects the “Consist”button 1632, however, the hose assembly builder tool will launch a newscreen 1636 (FIG. 61 ) displaying Consist Information associated withthe result assembly 1630.

As shown in FIG. 61 , a consist screen 1636 displays Consist Informationassociated with the selected hose assembly built with the hose assemblybuilder tool. The data displayed in FIG. 61 is populated from the hoseassembly build table 700 associated with the specific hose assemblyentry in the hose assembly build table. For example, “Unit of Measure:”corresponds to the value stored in the UM_ABR 886 field, and “External 1Thread OD:” corresponds to the value stored in the ETHD_1_THRD_MAJ_OD810 field. The user may select a “Report” button 1638 or a “Close”button 1640. If the user selects the “Report” button 1638, the hoseassembly builder tool will generate and display A Hose & CouplingConsist Detail Report in a new window (not shown). The Hose & CouplingConsist Detail Report contains the information displayed in the consistscreen, along with options to Print or Save the Hose & Coupling ConsistReport, as described with reference to FIG. 58 . Finally, selecting the“Close” button 1640, closes the window 1636, and returns the user to thesearch result screen 1622.

The hose assembly builder tool includes a Hose Assembly Delete to allowthe user to delete hose assemblies previously built by the user of thehose assembly builder tool. Referring to FIGS. 59 and 60 , the HoseAssembly Delete feature may be accessed by clicking on a link 1642 tothe Hose Assembly Delete feature in the side panel 1008 of the HydraulicInformation System frame 1004. After clicking the link 1642 to the HoseAssembly Delete feature, a main panel of the Hose Assembly Delete screen(not shown) may automatically populate with a list of hose assembliespreviously built by the user, and stored in the hose assembly buildtable 700. Because information identifying the user (e.g. FIRST_NAME756, LAST_NAME 758, EMAIL_ADDR 760, etc. (FIG. 9 )) is stored in thehose assembly build table 700 and associated with the built hoseassembly at the time it is saved, the system may simply filter the hoseassembly build table 700 according to the identifying informationassociated with the user in order to populate the list of hoseassemblies. The user may then choose to delete some or all of theirpreviously built hose assemblies. When the user opts to delete a hoseassembly build, that hose assembly build is removed from the hoseassembly build table 700, and may no longer be accessible to the user orto other users of the hose assembly builder tool.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of systems andmethods consistent with the present disclosure may be stored on or readfrom other computer-readable media. For example, the system 10 mayinclude a computer-readable medium having stored thereon machineexecutable instructions for performing, among other things, the methodsdisclosed herein. Exemplary computer readable media may includesecondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, flash drives,and compact disks; a carrier wave received from the Internet; or otherforms of computer-readable memory, such as read-only memory orrandom-access memory. Such computer-readable media may be embodied byone or more components of the system 10, such as database 16, userdevice 12, or any combinations of these and other components.

Furthermore, one skilled in the art will also realize that the processesillustrated in this description may be implemented in a variety of waysand include multiple other modules, programs, applications, scripts,processes, threads, or code sections that may all functionallyinterrelate with each other to accomplish the individual tasks describedabove. For example, it is contemplated that these programs modules maybe implemented using commercially available software tools, usingapplets written in the Java programming language, or may be implementedas with discrete electrical components or as one or more hardwiredapplication specific integrated circuits (ASIC) custom designed for thispurpose. In addition, the files, information, data, and tables describedherein may be assembled in any format searchable and/or sortable by thesystem 10, such as a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel® or XML files).

Similarly, the described implementation of the present hose assemblybuilder tool in the present disclosure may include a particular networkconfiguration but embodiments of the present hose assembly builder toolmay be implemented in a variety of data communication networkenvironments using software, hardware, or a combination of hardware andsoftware to provide the processing functions.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may becontemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems andassemblies without departing from the scope of what is disclosed. Suchembodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the presentdisclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for replacing an original hose assemblyof a work machine, the original hose assembly including an original hoseand an original coupling, the system comprising: a computing device; adatabase; and a server associated with the database, the serverincluding a processor configured via computer-executable instructions toperform a method of identifying a replacement hose assembly, the methodcomprising: prompting a user, via the computing device, to select aplurality of hose attributes associated with the original hose of thework machine; identifying, based on the selected plurality of hoseattributes, a replacement hose that has each of the plurality of hoseattributes; prompting the user, via the computing device, to select aplurality of coupling attributes associated with the original couplingof the work machine; identifying, based on the selected plurality ofhose attributes and the selected plurality of coupling attributes, areplacement coupling having each of the plurality of coupling attributesand that is compatible with the identified replacement hose; generatinga bill of materials for the replacement hose assembly based on theidentified replacement hose and the identified replacement coupling; anddisplaying the bill of materials.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thereplacement hose, the replacement coupling, and the replacement hoseassembly are manufactured by a first manufacturer, and the original hoseassembly is manufactured by a second manufacturer.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the database includes a hose table comprising aplurality of hose rows, each hose row corresponding to a hosemanufactured by the first manufacturer and including a hose typeidentifier.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the database includes acoupling table comprising a plurality of coupling rows, each couplingrow corresponding to a coupling manufactured by the first manufacturerand including a hose type identifier attribute.
 5. The system of claim4, wherein the plurality of hose attributes selected by the userincludes an inside diameter of an original hose of the original hoseassembly and one of an industry standard indicator, a hose function, ahose cover type, and a hose construction type.
 6. The system of claim 5,wherein the identifying the replacement hose further includes filteringthe hose table by determining which hose has associated hose attributesthat correspond to each of the plurality of hose attributes selected bythe user.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein one of the plurality ofcoupling attributes selected by the user includes a coupling thread typeand a coupling bend angle.
 8. The system of claim 3, wherein thedatabase includes a hose bulk armor table comprising a plurality ofarmor guard rows, each armor guard row corresponding to an armor guardmanufactured by the first manufacturer and including a plurality ofarmor guard attributes, one of the plurality of armor guard attributesindicating whether the armor Guard covers an entire length of theoriginal hose assembly.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein theidentifying the replacement coupling further includes filtering acoupling table by determining which coupling has an associated hose typeindicator that corresponds to a hose type indicator of the replacementhose and by determining which coupling has associated couplingattributes that correspond to each of the plurality of couplingattributes.
 10. A method of replacing an original hose assembly of awork machine with a replacement hose assembly, the original hoseassembly including an original hose and an original coupling, thereplacement hose assembly including a replacement hose and a replacementcoupling, the method comprising: prompting a user, via a computingdevice, to enter a hose assembly length of the original hose assembly;prompting the user, via the computing device, to select a plurality ofhose attributes associated with the original hose of the original hoseassembly; identifying, based on the plurality of hose attributes, thereplacement hose having attributes equivalent to each of the pluralityof hose attributes; prompting the user, via the computing device, toselect a plurality of coupling attributes associated with the originalcoupling of the original hose assembly; identifying, based on theplurality of hose attributes and the plurality of coupling attributes, areplacement coupling having attributes equivalent to each of theplurality of coupling attributes; calculating a hose cut length based onthe hose assembly length and a cut off factor associated with thereplacement coupling; generating a bill of materials identifyingassembly build components of the replacement hose assembly, the bill ofmaterials further identifying the hose cut length; obtaining, from apresent inventory of the user, the assembly build components; cuttingthe replacement hose to a length equivalent to the hose cut length; andbuilding the replacement hose assembly using the assembly buildcomponents.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the assembly buildcomponents are manufactured by a first manufacturer, and the originalhose assembly is manufactured by a second manufacturer.
 12. The methodof claim 10, wherein the plurality of hose attributes includes a partservice level, an inside diameter hose measurement, and one of anindustry standard indicator, a hose function, a hose cover type, and ahose construction type.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein theplurality of coupling attributes includes a coupling thread type and acoupling bend angle.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the promptingthe user to select the plurality of hose attributes further includesdisplaying instructions illustrating how to identify the plurality ofhose attributes.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the prompting theuser to select the plurality of coupling attributes further includesdisplaying instructions illustrating how to identify the plurality ofhose attributes.
 16. The method of claim 11, further including:associating the bill of materials with at least one of the secondmanufacturer, a sales model of the second manufacturer, a part number ofthe second manufacturer, and a serial number of the second manufacturer;and saving the bill of materials as a record in an assembly builddatabase table.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality ofhose attributes are in a table of a database.
 18. The method of claim10, wherein the plurality of coupling attributes are in a table of adatabase.
 19. The method of claim 10, further including identifying,based on the plurality of hose attributes, a replacement armor guardcovering an entire length of the replacement hose assembly.
 20. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the plurality of hose attributes and theplurality of coupling attributes are in tables of a database.